Ina Garten Baked Ziti Recipe

Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Made with tender pasta, a rich tomato sauce, creamy cheeses, and savory Italian sausage, this baked ziti is full of flavor and satisfying in every bite.

What is Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti?

Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American casserole featuring ziti pasta, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Ina Garten’s version elevates the dish with the addition of Italian sausage and fresh herbs for a bold, hearty flavor.

Other Popular Recipes

• Ina Garten Roast Chicken with Croutons
• Ina Garten Lamb Shank
• Ina Garten Root Vegetable Gratin

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Rich and Comforting: A creamy and cheesy dish perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: Straightforward steps with impressive results.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for feeding a family or hosting a dinner party.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Ziti pasta – 1 pound
• Italian sausage – 1 pound (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Yellow onion – 1 large, chopped
• Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
• Canned crushed tomatoes – 1 (28-ounce) can
• Tomato paste – 2 tablespoons
• Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
• Crushed red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon (optional)
• Kosher salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Ricotta cheese – 1 ½ cups
• Mozzarella cheese – 2 cups, shredded
• Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, grated
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Baked Ziti

Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Sausage and Onion

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces, until browned.
• Stir in the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Make the Tomato Sauce

• Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
• Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly and allow the flavors to meld.

Combine the Pasta and Sauce

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and tomato sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Assemble the Baked Ziti

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread a thin layer of the pasta mixture in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Layer half of the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese over the pasta.
• Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then layer with the remaining ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

Bake the Ziti

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

• Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Baked Ziti?

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp and refreshing side dish.
• Steamed Vegetables: Green beans or broccoli add balance.
• Red Wine: Pair with a bold Merlot or Chianti.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercook it, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
• Use Fresh Cheeses: Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt better and enhance the flavor.
• Customize the Sauce: Add fresh basil or rosemary for a flavor boost.
• Let It Rest: Allow the ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the layers set.
• Make It Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes for heat.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in fontina or provolone cheese for extra creaminess.
• Meaty Twist: Combine sausage with ground beef or turkey for a hearty mix.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
• White Sauce Alternative: Swap marinara for a creamy Alfredo sauce for a different twist.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Baked Ziti

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
• Freeze for Later: Assemble the dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Nutrition Value

• Calories: ~450 per serving
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fats: 24g
• Fiber: 4g

FAQs

Can Baked Ziti Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, take it out of the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

How Do You Prevent Baked Ziti from Drying Out?

To keep baked ziti moist, cover it with aluminum foil for the first part of baking. Adding enough sauce and not overcooking the pasta also helps retain moisture.

Can You Freeze Baked Ziti?

Baked ziti freezes well. Assemble the dish without baking, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What Is the Best Cheese Combination for Baked Ziti?

A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy, flavorful dish. You can also add provolone or fontina for extra richness.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Baked Ziti is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy. With its layers of pasta, cheese, and rich tomato sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal!

More Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Sausage and Peppers
• Ina Garten Chicken with Mushrooms
• Ina Garten Chicken Alfredo
• Ina Garten Roasted Carrots

Print