Easy Baked Ziti
This easy baked ziti is a delicious, comforting Italian dish that comes together with minimal effort. Packed with perfectly cooked pasta, a rich red sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this classic casserole is full of flavor and perfect for any occasion.
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.
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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 shredded mozzarella 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.
- 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 medium-high heat 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 and then add a few spoonfuls of cooked ziti. (C)
Step three
Add a few spoonfuls of cooked ziti on top of the sauce. (D)
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Step four
Add slices of cheese on the sauce. (E)
Step five
Now you’re going to repeat those layers: ziti, sour cream, tomato sauce, and cheese.
I wanted you to see how layered it is so I added the photo below (F), to show how it looks.
I usually get 3 full layers in my casserole dish.
Step six
Now comes the last layer – the cheese. Use as much or as little as you like. You can even add shredded mozzarella and/or parmesan cheese.
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 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, and enjoy.
Equipment
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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.
-
- In my homemade sauce, I sometimes add sautéed ground beef to add additional flavor.
-
- Even though I use provolone in this recipe, you can use sliced mozzarella cheese or shredded mozzarella or any light-tasting cheese.
-
- I use a medium baking dish.
-
- 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.
Nutrition
Originally published in March of 2016.
This ziti is such a classic comfort food. I love all that cheesy goodness!
Thank you, Rahul.
I made this for my family last night and it was very yummy !! I will definitely be making it again 🙂
Thanks, Melissa, I’m glad you liked it!
This ziti is comfort food at its finest. Definitely a favorite in my house.
Thanks Julie!! I appreciate it.
You had me at simple and it was! This is one of my new go-to recipes for family dinners when I have no plan or everyone is super hungry. Thank you!
You’re welcome, Emily! I’m glad you enjoyed it and thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
This recipe brings me back to my childhood! All those comforting flavors in one dish! A favorite dinner recipe!
I totally agree with it bringing back childhood! Thanks so much for commenting, Alison.
So quick and easy pasta dish! This is my new go-to, Love it!
I’m so happy to hear that Jo! Thanks so much!
Perfect comfort food, I adore this pasta recipe!
Me too, Georgie! Thanks for your comment.