Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is the perfect comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s loaded with tender pasta, gooey melted cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together in the best way. This dish is all about layers of flavor and texture—from the soft baked noodles to the golden bubbly cheese on top.
I love how this recipe comes together with simple ingredients but tastes so rich and satisfying. There’s something special about mixing creamy cheese sauce with tomato sauce and pasta, then baking it until it’s bubbly and just a little crispy on the edges. I usually make a big batch so everyone can dig in and no one leaves the table hungry. Plus, it’s great because you can make it ahead and pop it in the oven later—perfect for busy days.
My favorite way to serve this baked ziti is with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread on the side. It’s one of those meals that makes me feel cozy instantly and everyone I’ve shared it with always asks for seconds. If you’re looking for an easy, hearty, and cheesy dish that pleases a crowd, this is exactly what you want to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ziti Pasta: Ziti works perfectly here because of its tube shape, which holds sauce well. If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes and offer a similar texture.
Italian Sausage: This adds rich flavor and a bit of spice if you like. You can swap for ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based crumbles to suit your preference or diet.
Cheeses: Mozzarella provides gooey meltiness, ricotta adds creaminess, and Parmesan offers a salty, nutty kick. For a lighter option, part-skim cheeses work fine but the dish won’t be quite as rich.
Heavy Cream: It makes the sauce luxuriously creamy. Half-and-half is an easy substitute, or you can use whole milk mixed with a little butter if needed. Avoid skim milk, as it might be too thin.
How Do You Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right?
The sauce is the heart of creamy baked ziti. Combining marinara with heavy cream and sausage broth creates a velvety texture. Here’s how to do it well:
- Simmer the sausage first to release flavor and some fat, then add onions and garlic to build layers.
- Add marinara sauce and seasoning to the sausage mixture, letting it simmer gently to blend flavors without boiling.
- Stir in heavy cream slowly to prevent curdling, then mix well. This creates a creamy, rich sauce that clings to the pasta.
Make sure to taste and season as you go—salt and pepper balance everything perfectly. This creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta for that comforting feel.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta until al dente without crowding.
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the sausage and simmering the sauce.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – roomy enough to hold the baked ziti and allows even baking.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the pasta, sauce, and cheeses evenly before baking.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring the sauce and mixing the pasta gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey for a milder flavor or leaner option.
- Add sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens and a nutritional boost.
- Mix in roasted red peppers or mushrooms to deepen flavor and add texture.
- Use fresh basil or oregano in place of dried for a brighter, fresher taste.
Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta (rigatoni or penne can also work)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
For Flavor:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Plan for about 15 minutes to prep and cook the pasta and sausage, plus 30 to 35 minutes to bake it in the oven. After baking, let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Overall, around 50-55 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Cook the ziti pasta in boiling salted water until just al dente (this is usually 1-2 minutes less than what the package says). Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Sausage and Make the Sauce:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring, until soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, until fragrant.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it with a spoon, and cook until well browned and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan and add a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese:
Pour the heavy cream (or half-and-half) into the sausage tomato sauce to make it creamy. Stir well. In a large bowl, gently mix together the cooked pasta, sausage and sauce mixture, and the ricotta mixture until well coated.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over it. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
6. Rest and Serve:
Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your cozy, hearty, and creamy cheesy baked ziti with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a perfect meal!
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and ensures it cooks through properly.
Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Can I Substitute Parsley for Another Herb?
Yes! Fresh basil, oregano, or even chives can be used for garnish and added flavor depending on your preference.
