Description
This classic Baked Ziti recipe features tender pasta combined with a savory mix of Italian sausage and rich cheeses, all smothered in a blend of spaghetti and Alfredo sauces. Topped with a crispy, golden parmesan and panko breadcrumb crust, it’s a comforting and hearty casserole perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1½ lb ziti pasta
Meat
- 2 lb Italian sausage
Sauces & Cheeses
- 2 (24-oz) jars spaghetti sauce
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
Topping
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1½ tsp jarred minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside to use later.
- Cook pasta: Prepare the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain well and set aside.
- Cook Italian sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat once cooked.
- Mix sauces and cheeses: To the cooked sausage, add the spaghetti sauce, Alfredo sauce, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, shredded provolone, and ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Simmer the mixture while stirring occasionally until all the cheeses have melted and the sauce is well combined.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the drained pasta into the sauce and cheese mixture until it is thoroughly coated. Transfer this hearty mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix together the remaining ½ cup parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, and olive oil. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the top of the pasta layer to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly and the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit entirely and add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- You can make this dish ahead and refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute ziti pasta and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
