Easy Baked Ziti

A white deep plate with tomato, cheese ziti and a sausage - square

This easy baked ziti is a comforting, flavor-packed Italian classic made with perfectly cooked pasta, a rich red sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s the perfect dish for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian

Keyword baked ziti, easy baked ziti

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 5

Servings cups

Calories 441kcal

Author Elaine Benoit

Equipment

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.

Notes

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