Easy Baked Ziti
Are you looking for a mouthwatering Italian dish that is simple to put together? If so, this easy baked ziti is the perfect solution! This traditional Italian casserole is bursting with flavor from classic ingredients like perfectly cooked pasta, a flavorful red sauce, and cheese. Not only does this easy-to-follow recipe come together in no time at all — it also tastes absolutely delicious enough to be served at an elegant dinner party!
This delicious dish is sure to please the palates of everyone at your dinner table. With only a few simple ingredients and less than an hour in the oven, you’ll have an amazing meal that will leave everyone feeling full and satisfied.
Pair it with homemade garlic bread, a salad, and a glass of wine and you will want to do a happy dance.
What is the secret that makes this recipe different from other baked ziti recipes? I use sour cream instead of ricotta cheese.
Here’s how the switch came about.
Years ago, I was making a baked ziti and got to the part where I layer everything into the casserole dish. I looked in the fridge for the ricotta and it wasn’t there. All I saw that was ‘similar’ was sour cream. A light went on inside my head. “This could work!” I said to myself.
And it does!
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helpful
Tips
- When you boil the ziti, make sure to cook it al dente (still firm) since you are going to bake it and that will soften it more. So, boil it for 10 minutes, tops.
- I use homemade spaghetti sauce (which I call gravy) but you can use jarred, store bought tomato sauce like marinara sauce if you prefer. The beauty of my homemade sauce is, I make it with Italian sausage.
- I’ve also used this sauce in this dish because I use chunky vegetables, like bell peppers, and onions.
- In my homemade sauce, I sometimes add sautéed ground beef to add additional flavor.
- Don’t like ziti? You can use another pasta like penne, mostaccioli, or rigatoni. I just wouldn’t use noodles like spaghetti or fettuccini.
- Even though I use provolone in this recipe, you can use sliced mozzarella cheese or any light-tasting cheese. For example, I wouldn’t recommend sliced cheddar.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese between the layers. I would have when I made this for the blog, but I didn’t have any.
- I use a medium baking dish, which holds three quarts or 12 cups.
- Although I use herbs in my homemade sauce, you can add Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil.
- This Italian casserole freezes well. Just place any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container and place in the freezer for up to 4 months.
- You can reheat it without thawing the ziti. I usually spoon a little sauce over the leftovers and add a piece of cheese or two and bake on 350 for 10 – 15 minutes.
How to make easy baked ziti
Pre-step
Fill a stockpot 1/2 way with water, add salt, and turn the heat on high until the water boils. Once the water comes to a boil, add the ziti to the pan, stir, and cook for 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente or firm.
Drain the pasta when it’s done
On a side note: As soon as you put the pasta in the water, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and get a casserole dish.
Step one
Gather the ingredients – ziti, red sauce (gravy), sour cream, and provolone cheese. (A + B)
Step two
Ladle some sauce in the bottom of the casserole dish. (C)
Step three
Add a few spoonfuls of cooked ziti on top of the sauce. (D)
Step four
Add dollops of sour cream on the pasta. (E)
Step five
Add more tomato sauce on the sour cream. (F)
Step six
Add slices of cheese on the sauce. (G)
Step seven
Now you’re going to repeat those layers: ziti, sour cream, tomato sauce, and cheese.
I usually get 3 full layers in my casserole dish.
I wanted you to see how layered it is so I added the photo below (H), to show how it looks.
Step eight
Now comes the last layer – the cheese. Use as much or as little as you like.
Step nine
Cover with either the lid that comes with the baking dish, or use aluminum foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Take the cover or foil off the casserole dish and bake for another 20 minutes.
Time to serve it.
I love the layer of cheese on the top. Nom, nom.
I hope you enjoyed this easy baked ziti recipe. It’s definitely a people pleaser.
Other fun pasta recipes
And as always, may all your dishes be delish!
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Easy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 2/3 pound ziti (If you use a pound, you will have some leftover)
- 2 cups tomato sauce (or more – divided for the layers)
- 6 slices provolone (some you will tear in half to fit in the casserole dish – divided)
- 1 cup sour cream (more or less – divided)
Instructions
- Fill a medium/large stockpot 1/2 full with water and add salt. Set the heat to high and bring to a boil.
- Add pasta once boiled and set the timer to 10 minutes. The pasta will be al dente. Once the timer dings, drain the pasta in a colander.2/3 pound ziti
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
The Layering
- Ladle some tomato sauce in the bottom of a 3 quart casserole dish.2 cups tomato sauce
- Spoon in a layer of pasta.
- Dollop sour cream on the pasta. I put between 5 – 6 tablespoons.1 cup sour cream
- Liberally ladle gravy on top of sour cream.
- Add provolone on gravy. I put between 2 – 3 pieces in each layer.6 slices provolone
- Keep layering pasta, sour cream, gravy and provolone cheese until casserole dish is filled.
- Place the covered casserole dish in the oven for 30 minutes. If your dish doesn't have a cover, use aluminum foil.
- Uncover the casserole dish and bake for and additional 20 minutes.
- Eat
- Smile
- Enjoy
Equipment
See all my favorite tools and gift ideas at my Amazon Store page!Check out Elaine’s Amazon Store!Notes
-
-
- When you boil the ziti, make sure to cook it al dente (still firm) since you are going to bake it and that will soften it more. So, boil it for 10 minutes, tops.
-
- I use homemade spaghetti sauce (which I call gravy) but you can use jarred, store bought tomato sauce like marinara sauce if you prefer. The beauty of my homemade sauce is, I make it with Italian sausage.
-
- I’ve also used this sauce in this dish because I use chunky vegetables, like bell peppers, and onions.
-
- In my homemade sauce, I sometimes add sautéed ground beef to add additional flavor.
-
- Don’t like ziti? You can use another pasta like penne, mostaccioli, or rigatoni. I just wouldn’t use noodles like spaghetti or fettuccini.
-
- Even though I use provolone in this recipe, you can use sliced mozzarella cheese or any light-tasting cheese. For example, I wouldn’t recommend sliced cheddar.
-
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese between the layers. I would have when I made this for the blog, but I didn’t have any.
-
- I use a medium baking dish, which holds three quarts or 12 cups.
-
- Although I use herbs in my homemade sauce, you can add Italian seasonings, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil.
-
- This Italian casserole freezes well. Just place any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container and place in the freezer for up to 4 months.
-
- You can reheat it without thawing the ziti. I usually spoon a little sauce over the leftovers and add a piece of cheese or two and bake on 350 for 10 – 15 minutes.
-
