One of my favorite dishes of all time is this baked ziti recipe. It is a recipe I have been lucky enough to grow up with and it is my all time favorite.
My mom is actually the mastermind behind this baked ziti recipe. I have stolen it (with her permission of course) to post on my blog and share it with the world.
I’m not sure if I have ever mentioned that the reason I got into cooking in college was because of my mom. Growing up she was a wizard in the kitchen and when I got to college and couldn’t cook for myself… yeah, that became a problem…
Luckily for me, she was willing to help teach me and one of the recipes I wanted to learn to cook was this one. So, I did and I have enjoyed this recipe ever since.
This baked ziti recipe is perfect for family dinners or for dinner parties. It is easily adaptable to gluten free (simply use gluten free pasta) and can be made vegetarian (without the sausage) and it is guaranteed to be loved by everyone.
Literally, I have made this for my roommates and friends in college and it was a huge hit. My roommate is gluten free so I could adapt it to her. And everyone else? They loved it.
This recipe is super easy to make. However, it can be kind’ve long if you choose to make your own sauce as well. This recipe works just as well with regular canned sauce so it is totally your preference.
Related Post: Creamy Tuscan Garlic Pasta
This baked ziti recipe also does really well being made prior. You can prepare everything, but instead of baking in the oven, simply put it in the freezer until you are ready to make. Take the baked ziti out of freezer and let thaw completely, then cook as normal.
Or you can freeze after baking the ziti. We have done this when we overcooked and had tons of leftovers.
Now onto the fun part: the recipe! Check it out below.
Ultimate Baked Ziti
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Ultimate Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 Box Penne Pasta (for gluten free- use gluten free pasta)
- 1 Pound Sweet Italian Sausage
- 1/2 Large Onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon Roasted Garlic, divided
- 1/4 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/4 Teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1/4 Teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 16 Ounce Ricotta Cheese
- 1 1/2 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
- 1/2 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 1 Large Egg
Homemade Marinara Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Onion, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Roasted Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 2 28 Ounce Cans Crushed Peeled Tomatoes
Instructions
Homemade Marinara Sauce
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In a large pot, over medium-high heat, heat olive oil, add onions, sugar, salt, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Let the mixture sweat for approximately 10 minutes or until the onions have no resistance to the edge of a spoon.
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Add the two cans of crushed tomatoes and let simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally.
Cooking the Sausage
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In a large skillet over medium to high heat, cook the sausage, and add the 1/2 chopped onion and 1/2 tablespoon of roasted garlic. Separate the meat as it cooks and allow to cook until there is no more pink.
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When the sausage is done, mix into the finished homemade marinara sauce. Stir to combine.
Making the Baked Ziti
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Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
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Preheat the oven to 375F. Grease a 9 X 13 baking pan and set aside.
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In a large bowl (very large bowl), combine cooked penne pasta, sausage and sauce mixture, 1 tablespoon garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix together until combined well.
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Pour the mixture into the 9 x 13 baking pan and spread the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 30 minutes.
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Notes:
Sauce: If you choose not to make the homemade marinara sauce, you can simply replace with two 32 ounces cans of marinara sauce. The sauce does not need to be warmed up, you simply need to just mix it in with the rest of the ingredients.
Gluten Free: Can be made gluten free simply by using gluten free pasta.
Meal Prep: Can be made ahead and frozen. Simply follow instructions up until it says to bake it in the oven. Don't bake, put it in the freezer and let thaw completely when you are ready to make. When it is thawed, put in the oven for 30 minutes at 375F.
Vegetarian: Make without the sausage.
Other Products That I Use and Love With This Recipe:
Oven to Table Serving Dishes: These dishes are perfect for hosting a dinner party! They are convenient to use and clean but look pretty for your guests! They can be baked up to 400F and come with 8 different sized dishes.
Large Pot: This is an awesome, large nonstick stock pot that works great for making the homemade marinara.
Mixing Bowls: Honestly, these bowls are awesome for mixing things together. They come in three sizes and they are easily stored and cleaned.
Mix’ N Chop: I LOVE my mix’ n chop! It is amazing and makes my life so much easier when separating meat! Trust me, I am all about working smarter, not harder.
Large Skillet: This skillet is also an amazing nonstick skillet. It works wonders!
I hope you guys enjoyed this baked ziti recipe as my family does! It is something that gets made every time extended family is in town.
It is perfect for any dinner party and can easily be adapted to many culinary needs. Plus, this is the perfect recipe to impress someone with! Super tasty but super easy to make too!
Enjoy!
Happy Cooking!
