Name: Cheesy, Perfect Classic Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 ½ pounds ground Italian sausage, hot or mild; 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 5 garlic cloves, finely minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed fire roasted tomatoes; Kosher salt & fresh ground black pepper, to taste; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 pound ziti pasta; 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese; 16 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, grated and divided; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided; ¼ cup basil chiffonade, divided

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that wraps you up in warm, cheesy comfort with every bite, this Cheesy, Perfect Classic Baked Ziti Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser featuring tender al dente pasta swimming in a rich, savory sausage and tomato sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and plenty of melty mozzarella. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a friendly gathering, this baked ziti delivers satisfying flavors and that irresistible bubbly cheese topping that pulls everyone to the table again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of many white bowls and one bowl with a light brown outer edge on a white marbled surface, showing ingredients for cooking. There is one bowl filled with yellow uncooked tube pasta at the bottom right, a bowl with chopped white onions and green basil leaves in the middle, a bowl with a red tomato-based sauce at the bottom left, a bowl of shredded yellow cheese at the top left, and several small bowls with white minced garlic, brown sugar, olive oil, tomato paste, and butter next to some loose green basil leaves. Additionally, there are small plates with coarse salt, dried herbs, black pepper, and grated cheese. The scene is brightly lit and neatly arranged. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple, yet essential ingredients is the first step to building the heart and soul of this dish. Each one brings its own magic — from the spicy and savory sausage to the fresh basil that brightens the whole casserole with a pop of green.

Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the sausage evenly.
Unsalted butter: Gives richness and helps build the sauce’s silky texture.
Ground Italian sausage: Brings bold, meaty flavor with a hint of spice, choose hot or mild depending on your mood.
Medium yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when finely chopped and sautéed.
Garlic cloves: A fragrant punch that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds body to the sauce.
Light brown sugar: Balances acidity, giving a subtle caramel undertone.
Crushed fire roasted tomatoes: Offers a smoky, robust base full of personality.
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element.
Dried oregano and dried basil: Classic Italian herbs for authentic aromatic flair.
Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor gently without overpowering.
Ziti pasta: Perfect tubular pasta shape that catches sauce and cheese in every bite.
Whole milk ricotta cheese: Creamy pockets that add luscious texture and mild tang.
Low-moisture mozzarella cheese: Grated freshly for that gooey, stretchy cheese pull on top.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes with just a sprinkle here and there.
Basil chiffonade: Fresh basil leaves finely sliced to finish with a fragrant, herbal touch.

How to Make Cheesy, Perfect Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures your ziti won’t stick and the cheese browns perfectly on the edges, giving you that signature golden crust that makes baked pasta so irresistible.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet until sizzling, then add the ground Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks, letting it brown and develop a lightly crispy texture. This depth of flavor forms the backbone of your sauce, so take your time and savor that aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Once the sausage is beautifully browned, toss in the onion and sauté until tender and translucent. Add minced garlic, letting it cook until fragrant to infuse the mixture. Stir in tomato paste and brown sugar, then pour in the crushed fire roasted tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and garlic powder to make the sauce sing. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes to deepen the flavors and thicken just right.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente — firm to the bite but not undercooked. Save about ⅓ cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water helps marry pasta and sauce in the next step.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the drained pasta to the pot, pour in the meat sauce, and gently stir together. Add the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture if it feels thick, ensuring every ziti tube gets beautifully coated in rich sauce. This union is what makes this Cheesy, Perfect Classic Baked Ziti Recipe so hearty and satisfying.

Step 6: Assemble the Ziti

Begin by spreading half the pasta in your prepared baking dish in an even layer. Dollop spoonfuls of creamy ricotta cheese all over the pasta, then sprinkle half the mozzarella and grated parmesan on top. Add half the chiffonaded basil leaves to provide freshness and color. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheeses, finishing with a generous sprinkle of basil to brighten the top.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling

Pop the assembled ziti into the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is delightfully bubbly and edges have turned a comforting golden brown. This final baking melds all flavors while creating that irresistible melted cheese topping everyone loves.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

After baking, let the dish cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the ziti set, making it easier to scoop out hearty portions and allowing the flavors to fully develop one more time. Garnish with remaining fresh basil and get ready to enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite.

How to Serve Cheesy, Perfect Classic Baked Ziti Recipe

A large white baking dish filled with a layer of short tubular pasta mixed with a thick reddish meat sauce containing small pieces of cooked onion and tomato. On top, there are five dollops of creamy white cheese spread evenly across the surface. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil chiffonade isn’t just pretty, it adds a burst of herbal brightness that balances the richness of the cheese and meat. A light sprinkle of extra parmesan just before serving can elevate the sharpness and add an enticing aroma that draws everyone in.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty baked ziti with a crisp green salad tossed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad to add refreshing crunch and contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect too, soaking up every last bit of sauce and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this comfort dish family-style right in the baking dish for a cozy vibe, or portion it into individual ramekins topped with a basil leaf for a charming presentation. For parties, consider turning leftovers into baked ziti cups using muffin tins for fun handheld bites that make every serving feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked ziti stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze baked ziti either before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble in a dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time. For storing cooked leftovers, freeze cooled portions in airtight containers with a layer of cheese on top for best texture retention.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. In a pinch, microwaving also works well—just cover loosely and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta instead of ziti?

Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work equally well since their tubular shapes hold sauce wonderfully, but avoid thinner pastas that might get mushy when baked.

Is it necessary to brown the sausage first?

Yes, browning the sausage adds caramelized flavor and texture that really elevates the sauce. It also ensures it’s fully cooked and develops those wonderful browned bits that infuse richness.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute, and consider adding vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for extra heartiness without sacrificing flavor.

How do I know when the baked ziti is done?

Look for bubbling cheese around the edges and a golden-brown crust on top. The dish should be heated through, which usually takes about 30 minutes at 375°F after assembling.

Can I prepare the Cheesy, Perfect Classic Baked Ziti Recipe in advance?

Yes! You can assemble everything a day ahead, keep it refrigerated, then bake it fresh when you’re ready. It’s a great shortcut for busy days or entertaining guests.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy, Perfect Classic Baked Ziti Recipe is the ultimate comfort food hug that’s both easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some cheesy goodness, this dish delivers every time with layers of hearty sauce, luscious cheese, and just the right amount of golden crispiness. Trust me, once you make it your go-to, it’ll become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients and start baking — there’s no wrong way to love this classic!