Zesty Baked Pasta

Zesty Baked Pasta has been my trusty fallback for those days when I want something hearty bubbling out of the oven and absolutely packed with flavor. The first time I made it I had a mix of leftover marinara some Italian sausage and a half box of pasta to use up and what started as a clean out the fridge meal turned into a recipe I now make on purpose all the time.

I love how the cheese gets golden on top and the pasta soaks in all the sauce in the oven creating that comforting cheesy meets zesty flavor in every bite. It’s cozy and cheesy and just the right kind of easy dish that makes your whole kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria. Every time I serve it people go back for seconds without hesitation!

Ingredients

• Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
• Ziti or penne pasta – Holds the sauce well and bakes beautifully.
• Italian sausage – Adds a spicy meaty richness to the sauce.
• Marinara sauce – The saucy base with all the zesty tomato flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese – Melts perfectly for that gooey cheese pull.
• Ricotta cheese – Adds creamy layers that balance the boldness.
• Parmesan cheese – For salty sharp flavor on top and in the layers.
• Onion – Adds savory depth when cooked with the sausage.
• Garlic – Infuses the sauce with bold aromatic flavor.
• Olive oil – Used to sauté the aromatics and sausage.
• Italian seasoning – Brings everything together with classic herbs.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot – To cook the pasta until just al dente.
• Skillet – For browning the sausage and building the sauce.
• 9×13 baking dish – The perfect size for layering and baking the pasta.
• Wooden spoon – For stirring and mixing the filling.
• Measuring cups – To help with sauce and cheese portions.
• Foil – To keep the top from browning too quickly during baking.

Instructions

Step 1:

I preheat my oven to 375°F then I boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente because it’ll finish cooking in the oven.

Step 2:

While the pasta cooks I heat olive oil in a skillet then I add diced onion and sauté until soft. I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3:

Next I add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and crumbly then I pour in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning letting it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 4:

In a mixing bowl I combine the ricotta cheese with half the mozzarella and a little parmesan for a creamy cheesy mixture.

Step 5:

Once the pasta is drained I mix it with the sausage sauce. Then I start layering in a greased 9×13 dish – pasta and sauce ricotta mixture a bit more mozzarella and repeat.

Step 6:

I finish with a thick layer of mozzarella and parmesan on top then I cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 7:

I remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly then I let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips

I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sausage if I want more heat. You can also make this dish vegetarian by skipping the sausage and adding sautéed mushrooms or zucchini instead. And if you’re making it ahead I assemble everything and refrigerate it until it’s ready to bake – just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Ways to Serve

This baked pasta is a full meal on its own but I love serving it with a crisp Caesar salad and some warm garlic bread. For leftovers I sometimes reheat it in the skillet with a splash of broth to bring back the creamy texture. It also freezes beautifully in portions for easy lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Zesty Baked Pasta ahead of time?

Yes you can assemble it fully and store it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

What pasta works best in Zesty Baked Pasta?

I like using ziti or penne but rigatoni or rotini also hold up well to baking.

Can I freeze Zesty Baked Pasta?

Absolutely just cool it completely slice into portions and freeze in airtight containers.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Zesty Baked Pasta a spot in your comfort food rotation – it’s cheesy rich and full of flavor with just the right kick to make it special. Let me know what kind of twist you try or how it turned out for your crew!

Happy Cooking!

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