Zesty Italian Baked Ziti
This Zesty Italian Baked Ziti is a bold, comforting classic with a spicy twist. Layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy ricotta are baked to perfection under a bubbling blanket of mozzarella and parmesan. The combination of spicy sausage, aromatic fennel, and garlic-infused marinara gives it a deep, savory flavor that’s anything but ordinary. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and the table with smiles—perfect for feeding a crowd or savoring leftovers all week. Whether you’re craving something cozy or hosting a casual dinner, this baked ziti delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.
Why you should make it!
When it comes to crowd-pleasing comfort food, a classic baked ziti is always a winner, but this Zesty Italian version takes it to a whole new level. This isn’t your average weeknight pasta bake; it’s a bold and flavorful dish that delivers a symphony of tastes with every forkful. The secret lies in a deeply savory meat sauce, crafted with spicy sausage that adds a rich, fiery kick. This heat is beautifully balanced by the fragrant notes of fennel and garlic, which infuse the marinara with a complexity that makes the entire dish feel both familiar and exciting. The result is a baked pasta that is hearty, satisfying, and bursting with personality.
What truly makes this recipe a standout is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Layers of al dente ziti are nestled between a robust meat sauce and a creamy, cool ricotta mixture, creating a delicious contrast in every bite. This is all topped with a generous layer of mozzarella and parmesan that melts into a golden, bubbly crust, providing a delightful cheesy finish. Whether you’re feeding a large family, hosting a casual get-together, or simply meal-prepping for the week ahead, this Zesty Italian Baked Ziti is the ultimate go-to. It’s the kind of dish that warms the soul and leaves everyone feeling completely satisfied.
Now Lets Get Cooking!
The Recipe
Zesty Italian Baked Ziti
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Casserole Dish Ideally a standard 9×13
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti noodles
- 1 lb 80/20 Beef
- 1/2 lb Spicy Sausage
- 1 Onion diced
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 tsp fennel seeds
- 12 oz Ricotta cheese
- 6 oz mozzarella
- 6 oz Shredded Parmesan
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 Egg Beaten
- 2 Jars of Marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil noodles until al dente
- Saute onions and garlic
- Brown the meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and spicy sausage with diced onion until browned. Add garlic and fennel seeds; cook until fragrant.
- Add marinara sauce and dried basil. Simmer for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Mix the ricotta filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta, beaten egg, half the parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add egg and basil and mix
- Add noodles to the ricotta mix
- Layer the dish: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half the pasta, then dollop ricotta mixture over it. Add half the meat sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan. Repeat layers.
- Noodles mixture, meat mixture mozzarella and parmesan repeat until dish is full and top with remaining cheese
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
