Description
This Pizza Baked Ziti recipe combines the comforting flavors of classic baked ziti with the beloved ingredients of a pizza, including Italian sausage, pepperoni, and a melty cheese blend. Prepared in one skillet and baked until bubbly and browned on top, it’s a hearty and flavorful pasta casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion or celery
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce (or 3 cups homemade sauce)
- 3-4 cups water (or chicken broth or water + bouillon)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 (8-oz) bag shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 (16-oz) box ziti pasta, uncooked
- Pepperoni or salami slices (to taste; usually both are used)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare an oven-safe braiser or skillet (3.5 – 4 quart) with an oven-safe lid. Gather and ready all ingredients for easy access during cooking.
- Cook vegetables and sausage: Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion or celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the Italian sausage and cook until no longer pink, then drain excess fat. Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, seasoning well to ensure your pasta will be flavorful. Be mindful of salt if using broth instead of water.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce, water (or chicken broth), 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Mix gently to combine. Add the uncooked ziti pasta to the sauce mixture in the skillet and stir gently to distribute.
- Bake: Cover the skillet with the oven-safe lid and place it in the preheated oven. Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the pasta is almost cooked through. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven, remove the lid carefully to avoid hot steam, and stir the pasta gently.
- Finish baking: Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and arrange pepperoni slices on top. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over that. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is browned on top and the dish is bubbly. For variations, you can add a mix of mozzarella, salami, Parmesan, and pepperoni, leaving some spots without cheese for crispy edges.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest on the counter for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe braiser or skillet with a lid is key to cooking and baking this dish in one vessel.
- Adjust salt carefully if using broth instead of water to avoid over-seasoning.
- You can customize the toppings with a combination of salami, pepperoni, and different cheeses for a personalized pizza flavor.
- Leaving some areas without cheese helps create crispy pasta edges for added texture.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the pasta absorb remaining sauce and makes serving easier.
