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Tasty Cheesy Ziti

Featured in: Family-Friendly Dinners Everyone Will Love

This beloved Italian-American dish mixes pasta with meaty sauce and a trio of cheeses. Great for big gatherings and you can fix it beforehand.

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Updated on Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:58:14 GMT
A serving of baked pasta covered in red sauce with bubbling cheese and fresh herbs sprinkled on top. Pin it
A serving of baked pasta covered in red sauce with bubbling cheese and fresh herbs sprinkled on top. | cookingkitchn.com
    Craving something comforting but simpler than lasagna? Check out my favorite baked ziti! This warm pasta creation packed with gooey cheese, flavorful meat and thick sauce has become what my family asks for most at dinnertime. The coolest thing? You can prep it earlier, stick it in the freezer, and enjoy a tasty meal whenever you're in a pinch.

Why This Stands Out

    Picture rows of perfectly done pasta soaked in scratch-made sauce where Italian sausage adds incredible taste in every mouthful. The cheese turns wonderfully brown on the outside while staying soft and gooey inside. Adding fresh herbs really brightens everything up - I throw in tons of basil whenever my garden has some ready.

Pasta Options

    Can't spot ziti anywhere? Don't sweat it! I've tried this with rigatoni, penne, even spiral rotini - they all do the job nicely. Just go for pasta with textured surfaces and openings that catch all that yummy sauce. Different shapes bring their own style to your dish, but honestly, they're all super tasty.

Interesting Background

    Wanna know something cool about ziti? It's actually party pasta in Italy, usually served at wedding celebrations! That's why it comes in those little tube shapes - the name actually refers to "bride" or "bridegroom." But there's no need to wait for someone's big day to make it - this pasta works great for any regular weeknight dinner.

Handy Cooking Tricks

    Here's a smart move I've figured out - after cooking, pour a tiny bit of olive oil and mix your pasta before adding any sauce. This stops everything from clumping together while you finish the rest. Some people skip this trick and that's okay too, but I find it makes putting everything together way smoother.

Picking Your Sauce

    The sauce can make or ruin this meal! Feel free to use store-bought jars, homemade tomato sauce, or even leftover pizza sauce. I usually cook big batches of sauce on weekends and freeze portions just for meals like this one. Just remember to pick a sauce you truly enjoy - you'll notice it with every bite you take.
A cheesy baked pasta dish topped with herbs and served in a white dish. Pin it
A cheesy baked pasta dish topped with herbs and served in a white dish. | cookingkitchn.com

Smart Time-Savers

    This dish is perfect for planning ahead! Want dinner tomorrow? Put it together, wrap it up and store in your fridge - just cook it about 15 minutes longer. Making extra for another time? Freeze before or after cooking - both ways work fine. Just keep in mind if it's frozen uncooked, let it sit in the fridge overnight first. Already cooked? You can warm it straight from frozen - just keep aluminum foil on top until it's hot all through - around 45 minutes usually does the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely, just put it together and stick it in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to bake.

→ Can I use different pasta?

Sure thing, penne makes a good substitute.

→ What meat is best?

Italian sausage gives the richest taste, but you can try ground beef or pork too.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

You can swap Parmesan for Pecorino, but stick with the mozzarella and ricotta.

→ How long does it keep?

It'll stay good for 3-4 days in the fridge or 3 months if frozen.

Cheesy Ziti Pasta

A filling pasta dish mixing ziti, flavorful sausage, and three melty cheeses in tangy tomato sauce. The ultimate comfort meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Sophia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound ziti or penne noodles.
02 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
03 1 pound spicy Italian sausage or ground beef.
04 1 large onion, diced.
05 3-4 cloves garlic, minced.
06 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or rosemary.
07 1 tablespoon mixed Italian herbs.
08 1/2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes.
09 4 cups tomato sauce.
10 8 ounces shredded mozzarella.
11 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan.
12 1 cup creamy ricotta.
13 Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F and let it warm up.

Step 02

Boil the pasta in water with salt until firm to bite.

Step 03

Heat oil and cook meat until no pink remains.

Step 04

Toss in onions and cook till soft and clear.

Step 05

Stir in minced garlic, herbs, spices, and pour in sauce.

Step 06

Create layers of sauce, creamy ricotta, and pasta in baking dish.

Step 07

Sprinkle all leftover cheese on top.

Step 08

Pop in oven for 20-25 mins until golden on top.

Step 09

Let sit for 10 mins before you dig in.

Notes

  1. Make it a day early if you want.
  2. Stick it in the freezer for later.
  3. Perfect when feeding lots of people.
  4. Switch up the protein and pasta type.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking dish (9x13 size).
  • Big cooking pot.
  • Wide frying pan.
  • Strainer for draining.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Milk products in various cheeses.
  • Pasta contains wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 557
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 36 g
  • Protein: 30 g