Authentic Baked Ziti With Ricotta

Today, let’s do something close to my heart. Authentic Baked Ziti with Ricotta. This is the kind of dish that was always in my house, bringing everyone to the table who would usually kick up a fuss. I remember the excitement while watching my nonna prepare the dish, the mouthwatering aroma that drifted into the kitchen – it was a treat of cheese and tomato sauce bubbling away.

Baked ziti is more than a meal-it’s literally comfort food: the kind you’d want to wrap yourself in if it were a blanket, and a hug in every bite. It’s one of those true classic Italian recipes, as rather uncomplicated ingredients come together for something really special. Let’s make it and learn why baked Ziti with ricotta is my ultimate favorite comfort food!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Creating an unforgettable baked ziti starts with choosing the right ingredients.

High-quality, bronze-cut ziti pasta will cling to the sauce perfectly, ensuring each mouthful is deliciously coated.

Seek out fresh, creamy ricotta from your local deli for that authentic touch and opt for whole milk mozzarella for its rich and melting quality.

When it comes to tomato sauce, San Marzano tomatoes offer a naturally sweet and robust base that will uplift the entire dish so don’t compromise on it.

Adding Italian sausage will bring a savory depth of flavor. But, you can feel free to substitute with roasted vegetables if you’re leaning towards a vegetarian version like most people do these days.

And another important part, if you’re watching your calories, you can switch to part-skim ricotta and mozzarella without losing much of the flavor.

Step-by-Step Directions: Authentic Baked Ziti With Ricotta

Pro-Tips

1. Try blending different cheeses for both flavor and texture. A mix of mozzarella, cheddar, and asiago works wonders.
2. Take your time making or prepping the sauce. Letting it simmer allows flavors to deepen, giving your baked ziti a superior taste.
3. Feel free to tweak the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even a splash of red wine for extra richness.
4. Sautéing a few garlic cloves with the sausage can add a delightful aroma and enhance the savory notes of the dish.

How to Serve Baked Ziti Like a Pro?

Serving baked ziti isn’t just about getting it on the plate – it’s a chance to make every bite feel special! Here’s how to do it in a simple, inviting way:

1. Give It a Few Minutes to Rest: As said before, when it’s fresh out of the oven, let the ziti sit for 5–10 minutes. This quick break helps everything hold together, so each slice is nice and neat.
2. Choose the Right Tool for the Job: Use a big spoon or spatula to scoop out portions. This helps keep all the layers intact – pasta, sauce, sausage, and cheese in every serving!
3. Add a Little Freshness on Top: Sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. A bit of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes also makes each plate look and taste even better.
4. Serve with Simple Sides: Baked ziti pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. It makes the meal feel balanced and adds a little crunch alongside the creamy pasta.
5. Choose a Refreshing Drink: If you like wine, a glass of Italian red pairs perfectly, but a cold iced tea or sparkling water with lemon works wonderfully too.
6. Make It Look Inviting: If you have a favorite serving dish, use it! And try warming up the plates a bit before serving – it’s a small touch that makes a big difference.

With just a few easy steps, you’ll turn your baked ziti into a cozy, memorable meal that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat. Enjoy every moment!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Perfect! Baked ziti tastes just as amazing the next day – maybe even better. Here’s how to store and reheat it to keep all that cheesy goodness:

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. This way, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days.

To warm it up, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a little extra sauce over the ziti before covering it with foil – this keeps it nice and moist as it heats. Then bake until it’s warmed through and bubbly again.

If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just cover it with a damp paper towel to lock in the moisture, and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it’s piping hot.

How to Prepare Baked Ziti in Advance?

Prepping baked ziti ahead of time is a game-changer—it makes life easier and the dish even tastier! Here’s my go-to method:

Layer up your ziti with sauce, sausage, and cheese as you normally would, but skip the baking for now. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. I usually do this the night before!

Letting it chill overnight works wonders—the flavors really get to know each other and blend beautifully. When you bake it, it’ll taste like everything had extra time to meld together perfectly.

When you’re ready to dig in, take the dish out of the fridge while you preheat the oven. Follow the baking instructions, and if it needs a few more minutes to warm up, that’s okay—it’ll be worth every second! Enjoy your delicious ziti with all its rich, melded flavors.

Try our Stuffed Shells with Ricotta and Meat and Authentic Italian Mac and Cheese recipes to have more options for the next likely meal.

Authentic Baked Ziti With Ricotta

A comforting, cheesy, and hearty Italian classic that combines layers of savory flavors and rich textures, making it perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with its delicious aroma and mouth-watering taste. Whether served on a casual evening or at a special gathering, this dish is sure to delight everyone at the table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 5

Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Baking dish

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ziti
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 egg
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente.
• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
• Drain the cooked ziti and return it to the pot. Add in tomato sauce and cooked Italian sausage. Stir until evenly combined.
• In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of the ziti mixture on top.
• Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the ziti layer, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used up.
• Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow everything to set together.

Notes

For a golden top, broil for the last 2 minutes; garnish with.

For a different flavor profile, consider using a mix of cheeses like fontina or gouda along with the mozzarella and ricotta.

Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor.

If you prefer a spicier kick, use arrabbiata sauce. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of Alfredo sauce with the tomato sauce.

If you’re preparing for a gathering, assemble the dish in advance and bake when guests arrive for a fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.

Ensure each layer is evenly spread for a consistent bite in every forkful; using a spatula can help with smooth layering.