Oven-baked ziti with meat sauce and three cheeses
Ziti al Forno
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
35 min
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10
1 large casserole
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Ziti al Forno
Oven-baked ziti with meat sauce and three cheeses
★4.6(12)
Ziti pasta baked with a rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta dollops, and bubbly mozzarella. The Italian-American baked pasta classic done right.
20m
Prep Time
35m
Cook Time
55m
Total Time
10
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Ziti al forno is the ultimate Italian-American baked pasta—tubes of ziti coated in a hearty meat sauce with pockets of ricotta and a golden mozzarella top. It's baked ziti elevated.
Italian cooking is built on a foundation of simplicity and quality ingredients. This recipe honors that tradition while being approachable for home cooks of any skill level.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1
Cook ziti 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain. Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking into crumbles.
- 2
Toss ziti with marinara, sausage, and half the mozzarella.
- 3
Spread into a greased 9x13 dish. Dollop ricotta in spoonfuls across the top.
- 4
Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- 5
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil 2 minutes for extra color. Rest 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
Italian sausageGround beef or a mix of both
A 50/50 mix gives great flavor
RicottaCottage cheese or mascarpone
Mascarpone is richer; cottage cheese is lighter
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Dollop the ricotta on top rather than mixing it in for creamy pockets throughout.
Use hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick or sweet sausage for a milder dish.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (60mg) · 10 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein22g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat42g
Fiber720mg
Sugar3g
Sodium6g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is ziti al forno?
- It literally means "baked ziti" in Italian—ziti pasta baked with sauce and cheese.
- Can I use penne instead?
- Yes—penne and ziti are interchangeable in this recipe.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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