Baked Ziti with Tomato Mozzarella

Few dishes bring my whole family together like baked ziti bubbling in the oven on a Sunday afternoon The rich tomato sauce melts into gooey mozzarella and zippy pepper for a dinner that just feels like home on a chilly night

I first made this after a long week hoping for something comforting but not fussy Now it is my go to when friends drop by and I want something cozy and crowd pleasing

Ingredients

• Olive oil for greasing and sauce: Adds richness and keeps pasta from sticking Choose extra virgin oil for best flavor
• Ziti pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly Select smooth or ridged according to your preference
• Kosher salt: Enhances flavor Use a generous amount for the pasta water
• Quick Tomato Sauce: Brings savory depth Homemade gives so much more flavor than jarred
• Fresh mozzarella: Melts beautifully for stretchy creamy texture Try to use high quality mozzarella for best results
• Freshly grated Parmesan: Adds salty sharpness Always grate fresh if you can
• Freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper: Provide warmth and faint heat Fresh ground gives the best aroma

Quick Tomato Sauce specific ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: Gives silky depth
• Italian sausages: Offer a rich and robust flavor Choose sweet or spicy as you like Remove casing for better texture
• Onion and garlic: Are the flavor backbone
• Whole peeled tomatoes in puree: Give body and tang Try to find San Marzano for brightest taste
• Fresh thyme and basil: Add herby freshness Sprigs are easy to remove later
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Balance all the flavors

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Dish:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit Grease a baking dish with olive oil so the pasta does not stick and develops a golden crust

Boil the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in a generous handful of kosher salt Bring to a rolling boil Add the ziti and cook until al dente which means tender but with a slight bite This usually takes about 8 minutes Drain fully but do not rinse

Make the Quick Tomato Sauce:

Set a skillet or saucepan over medium high heat Pour in the olive oil Once shimmering add crumbled sausage Sauté for about three minutes until you see browning bits forming Add chopped onions and garlic Cook for another three minutes until soft and just golden Stir frequently to avoid burning Pour in the chopped tomatoes along with their puree and add the herb sprigs Raise the heat and bring it all to a bubbly boil Lower the heat to a gentle simmer Cover and let cook for 10 minutes Remove herb sprigs when done Season with salt and black pepper to taste

Mix and Assemble:

In a very large bowl combine cooked pasta quick tomato sauce cubed mozzarella half of the grated Parmesan all the pepper and crushed red pepper Mix well so every piece is saucy and cheesy Pour this into the greased baking dish

Top and Bake:

Arrange mozzarella slices over the surface Sprinkle on the rest of the Parmesan This creates a bubbly browned layer of cheese Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until you see golden color around the edges and melted cheese bubbling on top

Serve:

Let the pasta sit for a few minutes after baking Use a serving spoon to dish out big hearty portions

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One of my favorite memories is making baked ziti with my kids letting them layer the mozzarella themselves It gets messy but watching them steal tastes of cheese is part of the fun My favorite part is the tangy sausage in the sauce giving every bite savory depth

Storage Tips

Baked ziti keeps well in the fridge for up to four days Be sure to cool completely before covering tightly with foil or a lid Reheat in the oven covered with foil so the cheese stays soft Leftover pieces reheat especially well as the flavors continue to meld

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ziti feel free to substitute penne or rigatoni For mozzarella you can use part skim or even provolone for a little bite Veggie sausage works nicely for a meatless option If you prefer a smooth sauce blend the tomatoes before adding

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Serving Suggestions

Pair your baked ziti with a crisp green salad and big hunks of garlic bread Add sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli on the side for extra greens This dish is rich and pairs well with a light red wine or sparkling water with lemon

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne or rigatoni work well and hold the sauce and cheese beautifully.

→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage or use plant-based alternatives.

→ What type of mozzarella is best?

Fresh mozzarella offers a creamy texture, but pre-shredded mozzarella can be used for convenience.

→ Can I prepare it ahead?

Absolutely. Compile all elements, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat until warm throughout.