Baked Ziti from Maggiano's Little Italy features tender pasta baked with rich marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, creamy ricotta cheese, and savory Italian sausage, topped with golden, bubbling cheese for a hearty and comforting Italian classic.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Skillet
- Baking dish (9x13 inch)
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Grater (for cheese)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
When selecting Italian sausage, opt for varieties with balanced seasoning to enhance the overall flavor of your baked ziti. Using whole milk ricotta cheese ensures a creamier texture compared to part-skim versions, adding richness to the dish. Make sure to drain the ziti pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking. Fresh garlic will provide more vibrant flavor than pre-minced options, complementing the herbs perfectly. You can recreate the comforting and hearty taste of Baked Ziti from Maggiano's Little Italy copycat menu by carefully balancing these ingredients for authentic flavor.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Remove casing from Italian sausage; add to skillet.
- Cook sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic to skillet; cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour in marinara sauce; stir well and simmer for 3 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Mix gently to combine.
- Transfer mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Cover baking dish with aluminum foil (optional for moister top).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove foil; bake for an additional 5-10 minutes for a golden top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Baked Ziti from Maggiano's Little Italy copycat menu brings together tender pasta, flavorful marinara, and a blend of creamy cheeses with savory Italian sausage for an authentic Italian comfort dish you can recreate at home. If you cannot find Italian sausage, you can substitute with ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based sausage alternatives without compromising the dish's heartiness. Your marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought, but using a robust, well-seasoned sauce enhances the overall flavor. In case mozzarella or ricotta is unavailable, consider using provolone or cottage cheese as a last resort, keeping in mind the texture differences. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil during the first half of baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly while ensuring even cooking.
Tips
Ensure you cook the ziti pasta until just al dente to avoid mushiness after baking. When browning the Italian sausage, break it into small pieces to evenly distribute flavor throughout the dish. Mixing the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses gently with the pasta prevents overworking the ingredients, keeping the texture creamy. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil during most of the baking time to retain moisture, then remove it toward the end to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping for your Baked Ziti.
Nutritions
Baked Ziti from Maggiano's Little Italy provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, largely sourced from Italian sausage, pasta, and cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan. The marinara sauce contributes essential vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes, while herbs such as basil and oregano support anti-inflammatory benefits. Olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats to the dish. Your meal delivers both energy and nutrients critical for muscle repair and overall vitality.
Storage
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. It can be safely kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days; reheat thoroughly before serving your meal again. For longer storage, freeze the portion in a freezer-safe container, where it can last up to 2-3 months while preserving flavor and texture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or mushrooms to create a leaner or vegetarian version of Baked Ziti. Incorporate spinach or kale into the ricotta mixture for added greens and nutrients. Try using a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheese to enhance meltiness and flavor depth. Baking uncovered during the last 10 minutes will help achieve a crispier, golden cheese topping.
Allergies
Baked Ziti from Maggiano's Little Italy contains common allergens such as dairy from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and gluten from the ziti pasta. The Italian sausage may also trigger allergies related to pork or specific spices. You should carefully check ingredient labels and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food sensitivities or allergies.
Why this recipe?
Baked Ziti from Maggiano's Little Italy is loved for its rich combination of melted cheeses, tender pasta, and flavorful marinara sauce, creating a comforting and indulgent Italian classic. The dish features perfectly cooked ziti layered with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, offering a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the zesty tomato base. You'll find that making a copycat version at home is rewarding, allowing customization of seasoning and ingredient quality while capturing the authentic taste of beloved Italian-American cuisine. Recreating this hearty dish delivers both a satisfying cooking experience and a delicious meal reminiscent of your favorite restaurant.