If you are craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines two beloved Italian classics, this Pizza Baked Ziti Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the cozy heartiness of baked ziti, but with that irresistible pizza vibe thanks to layers of savory Italian sausage, melty mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and pepperoni slices baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a one-pan wonder that delivers on rich flavor and satisfying texture, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Once you try this Pizza Baked Ziti Recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Pizza Baked Ziti Recipe, you’ll want to gather simple yet essential ingredients that each play a vital role in bringing this dish to life. From the robust Italian sausage to the creamy cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta, every element layers flavor, texture, and a touch of color that makes this baked ziti sing.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the vegetables and sausage evenly.
- 1 cup chopped onion or celery: Provides aromatic sweetness and a slight crunch to balance the richness.
- 1 pound Italian sausage: The star protein with bold, savory spices for authentic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Blends classic herbs to deepen the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm garlic undertone without overpowering the dish.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to bring all flavors into harmony.
- 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade sauce): A tangy tomato base full of herbs and freshness.
- 3-4 cups water (or chicken broth or water + bouillon): Hydrates the pasta perfectly and adds extra flavor if broth is used.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided use): Adds nutty, salty depth, both mixed inside and sprinkled on top.
- 1 (8-oz) bag shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use): For that irresistible melty stretch and bubbly golden crust.
- 1 (16-oz) box ziti pasta (uncooked): The noodle canvas that soaks up all those amazing flavors.
- Pepperoni or salami slices (to taste): The delicious finishing touch that brings in the unmistakable pizza vibe.
How to Make Pizza Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. An oven-safe braiser or a large skillet with a lid (about 3.5 to 4 quarts) works best here — this lets you cook and bake all in one pan for easy cleanup. Gather all your ingredients and get ready to build flavor!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Cook the Sausage
Warm olive oil over medium heat in your skillet, then add your chopped onions or celery. Cook them just until they soften, about 5 minutes, creating a sweet, fragrant base. Next, add the Italian sausage, cooking thoroughly until no pink remains. Make sure you drain any excess fat before stirring in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This step is key for layering deep, rich flavor into the dish.
Step 3: Combine Sauce, Cheese, and Pasta
Now pour in your marinara sauce and add 3 to 4 cups of water, chicken broth, or water with bouillon depending on your preferred richness. Stir in half of your Parmesan and mozzarella cheese gently. Then, add the uncooked ziti directly into the skillet and fold everything together carefully to ensure the pasta is coated well without breaking. Saving half the cheese for the topping sets you up for that indulgently cheesy crust.
Step 4: Bake Covered Until Almost Done
Place the lid on your pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The pasta will absorb the liquid and soften, cooking to just about al dente. When done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and take off the lid—watch out for that hot steam! Give everything a gentle stir to even out the mixture.
Step 5: Add Final Cheese and Toppings, Then Bake Uncovered
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly on top and arrange your pepperoni slices or salami however you like. Finish by adding the rest of the Parmesan cheese. Pop the uncovered dish back into the oven for another 10 minutes. This final bake gives you that gorgeous golden-brown cheese topping with crispy edges and bubbling hot goodness beneath.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Pizza Baked Ziti rest on the counter for about 5 minutes. This helps everything settle and makes serving easier without losing that gooey texture. Grab a big spoon and dig into the warm, cheesy, pizza-flavored pasta that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Pizza Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil or oregano sprinkled over the top adds a vibrant pop of color and herbal freshness to balance the rich cheese and meat flavors. If you like a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes will give it that extra kick. For a bright finish, a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil brings out all those lovely baked aromas.
Side Dishes
This dish stands on its own as a hearty meal but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed with tangy vinaigrettes to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are perfect for mopping up any saucy bites left on the plate. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans offer a refreshing contrast to the indulgent casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style meal, serve the Pizza Baked Ziti straight from the skillet at the table, inviting everyone to help themselves. You can also portion it into individual ramekins for a charming presentation when entertaining guests. Another crowd-pleaser is topping each portion with extra pepperoni slices and fresh herbs just before serving to elevate its pizza-inspired flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Pizza Baked Ziti, any leftovers can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the next day’s meal taste just as delicious. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead or save extra for later, freeze the baked ziti in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze before the final bake with the cheese topping to maintain optimal texture. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual until bubbly and golden.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning and warm in a 350-degree oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between to keep the cheese melty and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef or even ground turkey can be substituted for Italian sausage if you prefer a milder flavor or need a leaner option. Just be sure to season well with Italian herbs and garlic to replicate that classic taste.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before baking?
Nope! This Pizza Baked Ziti Recipe uses uncooked pasta directly in the sauce, which cooks perfectly in the oven absorbing all the flavors. Just ensure you add enough liquid at the start to allow the ziti to soften during baking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the sausage and pepperoni and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Using plant-based sausage alternatives also works great for a vegetarian version while keeping the hearty feel.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
If you don’t have store-bought marinara, homemade tomato sauce or even canned crushed tomatoes with some added herbs will work wonderfully. Just adjust the seasoning to keep it balanced and flavorful.
What cheese combinations work best?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices here for meltiness and sharpness, but you can experiment by adding provolone, pecorino, or even a sprinkle of asiago for unique flavor twists. Just be sure to keep the cheeses shredded for easy melting.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this fabulous Pizza Baked Ziti Recipe. Its comforting layers of cheesy, meaty, and saucy goodness are the kind of meal that warms your heart and satisfies your soul. Whether it’s a family night or you’re cooking for guests, this recipe is easy to prepare and always impresses. Trust me, once you make it, it will become one of those beloved dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to!
Print
Pizza Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Pizza Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty Italian-American casserole combining savory Italian sausage, ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It features a delightful pizza-inspired twist with pepperoni or salami slices, baked to bubbly perfection with crispy cheesy edges, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion or celery
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade sauce)
- 3–4 cups water (or chicken broth or water + bouillon)
- 1 (16-oz) box ziti pasta (uncooked)
Cheeses & Toppings
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided use)
- 1 (8-oz) bag shredded mozzarella cheese (divided use)
- Pepperoni or salami slices, to taste (usually both)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Use an oven-safe braiser or skillet with an oven-safe lid, ideally 3.5 to 4 quarts in size. Prepare all your ingredients so they are ready to go.
- Cook vegetables and sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion or celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the Italian sausage and cook until it is no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary and stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, seasoning well to avoid blandness.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the marinara sauce and water (or broth). Stir in half of the Parmesan (1/2 cup) and half of the mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup). Add the uncooked ziti pasta and carefully mix everything to combine evenly in the skillet.
- Bake: Cover the skillet with the lid and bake in the oven at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly cooked through. Remove carefully from the oven, remove the cover (watch out for hot steam), and stir the ziti gently.
- Finish baking: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, arrange pepperoni or salami slices as desired, and sprinkle on the remaining Parmesan cheese. Return the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is browned and bubbly, allowing some edges to crisp up nicely.
- Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it sit on the counter for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier serving and better flavor melding.
Notes
- Season well when cooking the sausage mixture to prevent bland pasta.
- Using chicken broth instead of water adds more flavor, but adjust salt accordingly.
- You can mix different toppings like mozzarella, salami, Parmesan, and pepperoni for variety and texture.
- Leaving some areas without cheese can create crispy pasta edges which add delightful texture.
- An oven-safe braiser or skillet with a lid is ideal for cooking and baking in one vessel.
