Baked ziti is the perfect balance of comfort and elegance—great for a cozy night in but just as impressive for a dinner party. This version skips the ricotta and marinara, using heavy cream for a silky smooth texture and crushed tomatoes for a fresher, more vibrant flavor. Italian sausage brings a rich, savory depth, while fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic touch. Every bite is coated in a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to the noodles, making this dish irresistibly satisfying.
Fresh mozzarella melts into creamy pockets throughout the dish, while a generous layer of shredded cheese on top turns golden and bubbly as it bakes. The contrast between crispy edges and soft, saucy pasta underneath makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a gathering, this baked ziti is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Looking for more dinners? Check out this Thai Basil Beef (Pad Krapow) or serve this with some Gluten-Free Sweet Brown Bread.
What You’ll Need to Make Baked Ziti
• Rigatoni Noodles – Sturdy, tube-shaped pasta that holds onto the rich, creamy sauce in every bite.
• Italian Sausage – Adds bold, savory flavor with just the right amount of seasoning and a hint of spice.
• Heavy Cream – Creates a smooth, velvety texture, replacing ricotta for a rich and creamy sauce.
• Fresh And Shredded Mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella melts into soft, gooey pockets, while shredded mozzarella on top creates a golden, bubbly crust.
• Canned Crushed Tomatoes – Provides a bright, slightly sweet tomato base for a balanced and flavorful sauce.
• Grated Parmesan – Adds a nutty, salty depth that enhances the cheesiness of the dish.
• Fresh Basil – Brings a pop of freshness and a fragrant, slightly peppery bite.
• Garlic & Onion – The aromatic foundation of the dish, adding depth and richness to the sauce.
• Sugar, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt & Pepper – Seasonings that help bring out the flavors in this sauce, balancing sweetness, heat, and overall depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of mozzarella for baked ziti?
- For the best texture and flavor, use a combination of fresh and shredded mozzarella. Fresh mozzarella melts into creamy pockets throughout the dish, while shredded mozzarella on top creates a golden, bubbly crust. If you prefer extra cheesiness, whole milk shredded mozzarella is a great option for a richer, more gooey result.
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
- Yes! Baked ziti is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven. If baking straight from the fridge, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
- Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for up to three months. If frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. When ready to bake, keep it covered with aluminum foil and place it in a 425°F oven for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and the pasta is heated through.
Can I make this with regular noodles instead of gluten-free?
- Yes! This recipe works just as well with regular pasta. Simply cook your favorite ziti or penne according to the package instructions, making sure to keep it al dente so it doesn’t become too soft when baked. Whether using regular or gluten-free noodles, the creamy sauce and cheesy topping will make this dish a hit either way!
Recipe Notes:
• For a slightly spicier version, try using spicy Italian sausage or adding extra red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the heavy cream slightly or simmer the crushed tomatoes for a few extra minutes before adding the cream.
• You can easily customize this dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve the baked ziti with a side salad, garlic bread, and roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal, or pair it with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Merlot to complement the rich flavors.
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Gluten-Free Baked Ziti
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ziti noodles
- 1½ lbs ground spicy or sweet Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil plus more for serving
- 8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until very al dente, slightly undercooking it since it will finish in the oven. Drain, return to the pot, and set aside.1.5 lbs ziti noodles
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and position the rack in the center.
- In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, cook the crumbled sausage until lightly browned and just cooked through. Transfer the sausage to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving about a tablespoon of fat in the pan. If needed, add a drizzle of olive oil.1½ lbs ground spicy or sweet Italian sausage
- Reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring constantly until softened but not browned. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and season with salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about ten minutes.1 medium onion, 4 cloves garlic, 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons sugar, ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Stir in the cream, grated cheese, cooked sausage, and chopped basil. Pour the sauce into the pot with the pasta and gently mix until evenly coated.1 cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
- Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Tear the fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the first layer. Add the remaining pasta on top, then finish with a layer of shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of grated cheese.8 oz whole milk mozzarella cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Bake uncovered until the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
More Dinner Ideas
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