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posted by Christy Denneyon Jan 25, 2021 (updated May 6, 2022) 48 comments »
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Easy Baked Ziti made with pasta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, basil, and sausage in a creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a casserole to take to someone who had a baby or to a meal to make for company, this Italian Baked Ziti is a great recipe! It can be made with sausage or without meat. Serve with a Caesar salad and warm garlic bread.
EASY BAKED ZITI
Is it too soon after the New Year’s diets have started to share a cheesy pasta casserole liked this Baked Ziti.
This is the meal I make for company, bring into someone who just had a baby, or make for my family to make them happy. It’s that good.
I’ve made it six times this months for different reasons and every time it gets rave reviews.
INGREDIENTS
- GROUND ITALIAN SAUSAGE – Sausage is my preferred ground meat but you could use ground beef or ground turkey as well.
- ZITI – really any short pasta or tubed pasta can be used (penne pasta or rigatoni) in this pasta bake but ziti pasta is great for this recipe. The shape of the ziti noodles is good for this sauce and filling.
- MARINARA SAUCE – you can use homemade marinara sauce but as far as jarred sauce I really like Rao’s marinara. It tastes homemade.
- COTTAGE CHEESE – ricotta cheese is sometimes used in pastas but cottage cheese gives a creaminess that nothing else can.
- MOZZARELLA CHEESE – I don’t use fresh mozzarella but shredded mozzarella cheese.
- PARMESAN CHEESE
- EGGS
- FRESH BASIL – I love the taste of basil but fresh parsley can be substituted.
- HEAVY CREAM
- CORNSTARCH
- GARLIC POWDER
- ITALIAN SEASONING
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LASAGNA AND BAKED ZITI?
Baked Ziti is similar to lasagna but when making lasagna, lasagna noodles are used. Both consist of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese.
There are a couple of things that make this Baked Ziti different than the others. In fact, I already have an easy baked ziti on my blog. That Baked Ziti is entirely different. It has layers of sour cream. Sounds weird but it works.
WHAT MAKES THIS EASY BAKED ZITI RECIPE SPECIAL
- This Baked Ziti with sausage gives it that sweet Italian flavor. You can leave it out if you want for a vegetarian version but I like the flavor it adds.
- Not only does it have a marinara sauce but we make a quick alfredo with cornstarch and cream to give it that extra level of richness.
- Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient. I despise cottage cheese by itself. It usually makes me gag but cottage cheese in pastas (and baked egg recipes) adds this invisible creaminess because it melts into the sauce.
- It might seem strange to add eggs into a pasta dish. Not at all. It binds everything together.
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT PASTA OTHER THAN ZITI?
Yes. Any medium shaped pasta will do. Rigatoni, Penne, Farfalle…are all good substitutes. I wouldn’t do a long pasta like spaghetti or linguine.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED ZITI
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. The next two steps can be done at the same time (cooking the sausage in one pan and the pasta in another).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boiling. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta. Cook pasta about 5 minutes (it will continue to cook in the oven). Drain in a colander.
- In a large skillet, brown sausage. Drain and cool.
- While pasta and sausage are cooking, in a large bowl, add 1 cup of the marinara sauce, the cottage cheese, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1 cup Parmesan cheese (save 1/4 cup for the top), eggs, and basil. Add the cooked sausage when it is done.
- In the same pot as the pasta or sausage (whichever one is done being used first), add the heavy cream and cornstarch and whisk together. Cook over medium heat until thickened about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir into cottage cheese mixture.
- Add the pasta noodles to the cottage cheese mixture and mix well. Pour into a 9×13 casserole dish. Spread remaining sauce on top. Top with remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with more basil and serve.
CAN YOU ASSEMBLE BAKED ZITI AHEAD OF TIME?
Yes. Prepare up until baking and store covered in the refrigerator. Bake according to the instructions.
FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS:
Freeze for up to a month in a tightly sealed dish. Thaw in the refrigerator a day before cooking. Bake according to instructions.
OTHER ITALIAN RECIPES
- Italian Sausage and Peppers
- Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Mozzarella Puffs
- Crockpot Italian Chicken
OTHER PASTA RECIPES
- Baked Spaghetti
- Creamy Sausage and Spinach Pasta
- String Cheese Manacotti
- One-Pot Sausage Broccoli Pasta
- Taco Lasagna
- One-Pan Skillet Baked Ziti
- Healthy Three Cheese Chicken Penne Pasta
Baked Ziti
4.65 from 31 votes
Easy Baked Ziti made with pasta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, basil, and sausage in a creamy sauce. If you're looking for a meal to take to someone who had a baby or to a meal to make for company, this Italian Baked Ziti is delicious! It can be made with sausage or without meat.
PrintPinRate
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Cook Time: 45 minutes mins
Total Time: 1 hour hr
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 lb ziti, (rigatoni or penne can also be used)
- 1 (24-26 ounce) jar marinara sauce, (I like Rao's brand)
- 16 ounces cottage cheese, (1% fat)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup chopped basil, (more for the top)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasonings
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. The next two steps can be done at the same time (cooking the pasta in one pot and the sausage in another).
Bring a large pot of salted water to boiling. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta. Cook pasta about 5 minutes or to al dente (it will continue to cook in the oven). Drain in a colander.
In a large skillet, brown sausage. Drain and cool.
While pasta and sausage are cooking, in a large bowl, add1 cup of the marinara sauce, the cottage cheese, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese, 1 cup Parmesan cheese (save 1/4 cup for the top), eggs, and basil. Add the sausage when it is done cooking.
In the same pot as the pasta or sausage (whichever pan is done being used first), add the heavy cream, cornstarch, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings and whisk together. Cook over medium heat until thickened about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir into cottage cheese and meat sauce mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add the pasta to the cottage cheese mixture and mix well. Pour into a 9x13 baking dish. Spread remaining marinara sauce on top. Top with remaining 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with more basil and serve.
Notes
If you like garlic, you can add a couple of cloves at the end of cooking the sausage. My marinara has a lot of garlic in it so I don't always add more.
FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS:
Freeze for up to a month in a tightly sealed dish. Thaw in the refrigerator a day before cooking. Bake according to instructions.
Source: adapted from Cooks Illustrated
Substituted marinara sauce for tomatoes and ingredients for sauce, added sausage, increased cornstarch, used shredded mozzarella instead of cubed, reduced Parmesan. Added garlic powder and Italian seasonings.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Main Course
Author: Christy Denney
All Recipes Casseroles Cheese Freezer Meals Holiday Recipes Italian Main Dishes Mother's Day Pasta Pork
originally published on Jan 25, 2021 (last updated May 6, 2022)
48 comments Leave a comment »
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48 comments on “The Best Baked Ziti”
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Robin — Reply
I made this for the homeless shelter which had 58 people for dinner. They just loved it and they were so appreciative. Thank you for this wonderful recipe. It was just perfect and easy to make.
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Christy Denney — Reply
Wow, that’s a lot of work and they are lucky to have someone as nice as you.
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Maria — Reply
My husband and I first tried this recipe in 2021 and we love it so much, it’s become our Valentine’s Day tradition to stay in and make this every year. It is a fool proof recipe that turns out perfect every time!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Aww thanks!
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Raine — Reply
Hello! I cannot wait to try some of your Italian dinners! There’s just one small problem…I don’t like Parmesan cheese. Not even its smell. It may be impossible but, is there a substitute for that cheese?
I’m hoping to make the mozzarella stick manicotti tonight…can you help with my dilemma?
Thank you!!
Raine-
Christy Denney — Reply
I mean you can leave it out but it adds a salty note so add some salt?
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Tracy — Reply
Is it best to freeze cooked or uncooked?
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Christy Denney — Reply
I’ve done both. Uncooked would be better.
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Carol C — Reply
I made this today for my church friends & they all loved it! I will definitely make it again. Thank you😊
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Christy Denney — Reply
You’re welcome
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Sharon Embrey — Reply
Making it tomorrow
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Sharon Embrey — Reply
I’m not replying, it’s me Sharon posting a review on this outstanding recipe.
First thank you for the tips on cottage cheese vs ricotta. I never would have thought the difference in creaminess from the cottage cheese. I’m a believer. The only few changes I made, don’t you hate us cooks that do that, is before sautéing my sausage I browned a large diced onion. I then seasoned the sausage with garlic and onion powder. The only other change was along with the fresh basil I added a good handful of fresh parsley.
This recipe is dense, rich and goes a long way to it makes a lot. I shared it with 4 people, 1 being my 2 year old great-granddaughter who said “more” when she finished her first good sized plate.
This is a winner. Best baked ziti I ever had. Next time I’ll add some broccoli.
Thank you for this make again great recipe.
I’m going to check out your other recipes.-
Christy Denney — Reply
Thanks for the feedback Sharon!
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Sharon Embrey — Reply
Trying it tomorrow. Just bought all the ingredients
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Sharon — Reply
I was comparing baked ziti recipes to make for the first time and chose yours. I’ll be making it tomorrow. I never would have thought of using cottage cheese. Can’t wait to try it.
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Rosemyrose — Reply
This was a very nice meal! I added pepperoni to the top before baking and let it crisp in the broiler for a minute before serving. I used a standard 25 ounce can of crushed tomatoes with basil and oregano seasoning for the sauce. I will make it again!
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Cindy Rusin — Reply
Best recipe! 5 of us enjoyed your creation & loved it! All want recipe, referred them to your site. I followed all directions, creamy sauce really added extra 00-la-la to an already great dish, thank you, only recipe I will make now.
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Christy Denney — Reply
Thank you Cindy!
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Coleen Agvent — Reply
Do the chunks of cottage cheese completely melt during baking ?
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Christy Denney — Reply
Yes they do!
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Vikki — Reply
Another amazing recipe! 🤩 SO GOOD!!😋
Thank you Christy! Another favorite is your Poppy Seed Chicken! My family and I thank you for all the delicious meals you share!🥰👍🏼-
Christy Denney — Reply
You’re welcome!
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Maria M — Reply
The BEST baked ziti. I have made it several times since discovering the recipe. It’s become our special occasion dish! Perfection!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Yayyyyy
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Darlene Crickenberger — Reply
I want to make my own website to sell things but I have no idea where to start.. I don’t no what websites to go on, or how much it will be (or if there’s any way i can do it for free?). Can someone give me as much information as possible and a website where i can start please?. I need as much help as possible..
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Sara — Reply
My family loves this ziti!! It really is the best! Thank you so much Christy! =)
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Christy Denney — Reply
You’re welcome!
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Betty — Reply
This is truly delicious! I made this for company, & it was a huge hit! I also made a small casserole for an elderly friend, because it makes so much, & she loved it, too. Thanks for sharing!
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Christy Denney — Reply
You’re welcome!
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Lk stevens — Reply
This baked ziti is truly the best! It is so flavorful!
Love the creaminess of the heavy cream and cottage cheese!
I made it for an apartment full of college boys preparing for midterms. They enthusiastically thank you for sharing this recipe!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Wow! Such a compliment!
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Roy — Reply
Everyone loves this recipe!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Thanks Roy!
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Sharon — Reply
Best baked ziti I have ever eaten! Made this for a dinner party and everyone loved it!!! Thank you Hungry Girl!!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Woo hoo! I agree!
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sacha — Reply
I agree with you also. This was soooo delicious.
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Brandi — Reply
So delicious. Our whole family loved it. Every recipe of yours that I have tried, have been a hit! Thank you!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Aww thank you!
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Brooke — Reply
You did it again!!!!!! Your one pot bacon and broccoli pasta is on rotation at our house, and now we are big fans of this recipe!!!! Again, my daughter is extremely picky and stubborn about trying new things. I bribed her to eat 3 bites in exchange for candy before dinner, and she kept eating it. She even verbalized ‘it’s really good’ and ‘I like it.’ Red sauce/pasta isn’t usually my ultimate fave, but all of us just inhaled it!!!!! Followed the recipe exactly, was soooooooo good!!!!!! Thanks again for your great family friendly (and picky eater approved) recipes!!!!!
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Gessika Doda — Reply
This recipe…. was INSANELY delicious. I made it for my boyfriend and I and it was seriously so creamy and delicious. I cannot get enough of it. He thought it was great too! I was a little worried because I didn’t have cornstarch, but it still tasted SO good. This recipe is 10/10 and I am absolutely sharing it with my friends and family! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
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Suzanne — Reply
This is DELISH!! Thank you for another fabulous recipe!!
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Christy Denney — Reply
You’re welcome!!
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Jim Staples — Reply
Thank you for your comment about the cottage cheese otherwise I would not have tried it! It was a big hit with my family as well. The leftovers were yummy as well which is always a sign of a good dish in my mind.
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Christy Denney — Reply
Glad you approved! I’m making it for my family for Vday tomorrow!
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Ali — Reply
This recipe is perfect. So good.
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Christy Denney — Reply
Thanks Ali! We love it!
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MO — Reply
Made this on New Years Day. Turned out great! Thanks!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Thanks Monique!
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