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Looking for the ultimate comfort food that's easier than lasagna? Let me share my go-to baked ziti recipe! This cozy pasta dish loaded with cheese savory meat and rich sauce has become my family's most requested dinner. Best part? You can make it ahead freeze it and have a delicious meal ready whenever you need one.
What Makes This Special
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Think layers of perfectly cooked pasta swimming in homemade sauce with Italian sausage adding that amazing flavor through every bite. The cheese gets all melty and golden on top while staying creamy inside. Fresh herbs make everything pop I love adding lots of basil when I've got it growing in my garden.
Let's Talk Pasta
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Can't find ziti at your store? No worries! I've made this with penne rigatoni even rotini they all work great. Just look for pasta with ridges and holes they grab onto all that delicious sauce. Each shape brings its own personality to the dish but they're all equally delicious.
History In Every Bite
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You know what's fun about ziti? It's actually a celebration pasta in Italy traditionally served at weddings! That's why it's shaped like little smooth tubes the name even means "bride" or "bridegroom." But don't wait for a wedding to make it this pasta deserves to be enjoyed any day of the week.
My Pasta Tips
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Here's a little trick I've learned after a tiny drizzle of olive oil toss your cooked pasta before adding sauce. It keeps everything from sticking together while you're getting the rest ready. Some folks skip this step that's fine too but I find it makes assembly so much easier.
All About That Sauce
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The sauce makes or breaks this dish! You can use your favorite jarred sauce fresh homemade marinara even leftover pizza sauce. I usually make a big batch of sauce on weekends and freeze portions just for dishes like this. Just remember use a sauce you really love you'll taste it in every forkful.
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Make Life Easy
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This dish is a meal prep dream! Need dinner for tomorrow? Assemble cover and pop in the fridge just add 15 minutes to your bake time. Making extras for later? Freeze it before or after baking both work great. Just remember if it's frozen unbaked let it thaw overnight before cooking. Already baked? You can reheat it straight from frozen just keep it covered with foil until it's hot and bubbly about 45 minutes does the trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate or freeze before baking.
- → Can I use different pasta?
Yes, penne works well too.
- → What meat is best?
Italian sausage adds most flavor, but ground beef/pork work.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Pecorino can replace Parmesan, keep mozzarella and ricotta.
- → How long does it keep?
3-4 days refrigerated, 3 months frozen.