Delicious Baked Ziti Recipe
About this recipe
Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and three kinds of cheese. This version from Preppy Kitchen is not only easy to make but also perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
John Cannell's take on Baked Ziti simplifies the process, giving you all the delicious lasagna vibes without the fuss of layering. With a hearty meat sauce and gooey cheese, it's a dish that comes together quickly and is sure to satisfy.
Ingredient notes
- You can substitute ground Italian sausage with ground beef, pork, chicken, or turkey if desired.
- For the tomatoes, you can use crushed tomatoes instead of whole peeled tomatoes.
Tips from Preppy Kitchen’s video
- Ensure the olive oil is shimmering before adding the onion to achieve the best sautéing results.
- Always salt your pasta water well to avoid bland pasta; about a tablespoon of salt per quart of water is recommended.
- Grate your parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor, though pre-grated can be used in a pinch.
Good to know
- How many servings does this recipe yield?
- This recipe yields 8 servings.
- What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
- The recipe uses ziti pasta, but you can substitute with penne or rigatoni.
- How long does it take to bake the ziti?
- The ziti should be baked for about 30 minutes.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to Preppy Kitchen: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- 2
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering.
- 3
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- 4
Add 1 pound of ground Italian sausage to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains.
- 5
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 6
Add the marinara sauce, whole peeled tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- 7
Reduce heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 30 minutes to thicken and meld flavors.
- 8
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a casserole dish.
- 9
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt.
- 10
Add 1 pound of ziti pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- 11
Grate 2/3 cup of parmesan cheese while the pasta cooks.
- 12
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot. Stir in about 2 cups of the sauce until well coated.
- 13
Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish. Add half of the pasta mixture, then half of the remaining sauce, half of the parmesan cheese, and half a cup of ricotta cheese.
- 14
Top with 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses.
- 15
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- Guessed 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil based on typical sautéing amounts.
- Guessed 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes based on common spice preferences.
- Guessed 2/3 cup of parmesan cheese based on typical amounts for flavor.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from Preppy Kitchen’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
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