Taylor Street Baked Ziti
A delightful, cheesy, and hearty Italian-American pasta dish, Taylor Street Baked Ziti is filled with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, savory Italian sausage, and a rich blend of cheeses, topped with a golden, bubbling crust. It’s perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For boiling the ziti pasta
- 1 Sauté Pan For cooking the sausage and preparing sauce
- 1 9x13-inch Baking Dish For assembling and baking the ziti
- 1 Strainer For draining the pasta
- 1 Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce and sausage
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pasta Ziti Pasta Boiled to al dente texture
- 1 lb Sausage Italian Sausage Cooked and crumbled adds flavor depth
- 1 cup Sauce Marinara Sauce Homemade or store-bought
- 2 cups Cheese Mozzarella Cheese Shredded divided into two portions
- 1 cup Cheese Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated for topping
- 1/2 cup Cheese Ricotta Cheese Optional for a creamy texture
- 1/2 tsp Spice Basil Fresh for garnish and flavor
- 2 tbsp Butter Butter To enrich the sauce flavor
- 2 cloves Garlic Garlic Minced to flavor the sauce
- 1/4 cup Wine White Wine For deglazing the pan and adding richness
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sausage Sauce: In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until almost browned. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until reduced by half.
- Add Tomatoes and Butter: Lower the heat to medium and add diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, butter, and basil to the pan. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked ziti pasta into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Mix in half of the mozzarella cheese and stir again.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, then broil for an additional 2-3 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: This dish can be prepared ahead of time by assembling the ziti, covering it tightly, and storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
- Storage: Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Variations: Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and add more cheese or plant-based protein options.