We’ve always loved the comforting allure of baked ziti, that irresistible mix of tender pasta, melted cheese, and savory sauce. Our San Giorgio version brings a touch of Italian-American tradition to your table, using high-quality pasta for the perfect al dente finish.
This easy recipe highlights why baked ziti remains a family favorite, blending simplicity with bold flavors. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, we’ll guide you through creating this hearty dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For our Baked Ziti Recipe San Giorgio, we select high-quality ingredients that blend Italian-American traditions with the perfect texture of San Giorgio pasta. Below, we list them in the order they’re used, including prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- San Giorgio ziti pasta: 1 pound (uncooked) – This forms the hearty base, so boil it al dente for the ideal chew.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons – Use extra-virgin for sautéing aromatics and adding a rich flavor.
- Onion: 1 medium (diced) – Chop finely for even cooking in the sauce base.
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced) – Freshly minced to release its pungent aroma early in the process.
- Ground Italian sausage: 1 pound – Mild or spicy, browned first to infuse meaty depth into the sauce.
- Marinara sauce: 1 jar (24 ounces) or homemade equivalent – Stir in after meats for a robust, tomatoey foundation.
- Ricotta cheese: 1 cup (whole milk, at room temperature) – Blend smoothly for creamy layers in assembly.
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (shredded) – Freshly shredded for melting over the top to create gooey perfection.
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (grated) – Sprinkle on last for a nutty, golden crust.
- Fresh basil: ¼ cup (chopped) – Add towards the end for a burst of herbaceous freshness.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste – Season incrementally as you build flavors for balanced taste.
Tools and Equipment
As we transition from gathering our high-quality ingredients for the Baked Ziti Recipe San Giorgio, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand to ensure a seamless cooking process. This setup not only streamlines preparation but also helps achieve that perfect golden, cheesy crust we’re aiming for in this Italian-American favorite.
We’ll organize our tools by categories for clarity, focusing on items used in sequence from prep to baking:
- Large Stockpot: A 6- to 8-quart stockpot is ideal for boiling the San Giorgio ziti pasta. It allows ample space to prevent sticking and ensures even cooking, resulting in al dente pasta every time.
- Baking Dish: Opt for a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish to assemble and bake the ziti. This size accommodates a family-sized portion, promoting even heat distribution for a bubbly, melty mozzarella topping.
- Skillet or Saucepan: A 12-inch non-stick skillet works best for sautéing ingredients like onion, garlic, and ground Italian sausage. Its even heating surface helps develop rich flavors without burning.
- Mixing Bowls: Use at least two medium-sized stainless steel mixing bowls—one for combining ricotta cheese with seasonings and another for tossing the pasta with sauce. This keeps our workflow organized and prevents cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A standard set of dry and liquid measuring cups along with spoons ensures precise measurements for ingredients like olive oil and Parmesan cheese, guaranteeing consistent results in our recipe.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife: A sturdy wooden or plastic cutting board paired with a sharp 8-inch chef’s knife is crucial for chopping fresh basil and garlic efficiently, minimizing prep time.
- Spatula and Wooden Spoon: A heat-resistant silicone spatula for stirring and folding mixtures, and a wooden spoon for sauce simmering, help maintain texture without scratching cookware.
- Oven and Thermometer: Preheat your conventional or convection oven to 375°F. If available, use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy, ensuring our Baked Ziti bakes to perfection without overcooking.
By preparing these tools beforehand, we make our Baked Ziti Recipe San Giorgio not only effortless but also a rewarding experience that highlights the dish’s comforting, bold flavors.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing our Baked Ziti Recipe San Giorgio with simple, step-by-step directions that highlight the comforting layers of San Giorgio ziti, savory sausage, and melted cheeses for a dish bursting with bold, Italian-American flavors.
Prep
First, we gather and prepare our ingredients to build the foundation of this hearty dish. Begin by boiling 1 pound of San Giorgio ziti in a large stockpot of salted water until al dente—about 8-10 minutes—then drain and set aside, ensuring the pasta retains its ideal chewy texture for absorbing flavors later.
Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and golden, releasing an aromatic blend that fills your kitchen with irresistible Italian essence.
In the same skillet, brown 1 pound of ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink, allowing the rich, savory juices to enhance the marinara sauce we’ll mix in.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil, along with 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious cheese mixture that promises gooey, melty perfection in every bite.
Assemble
We layer our prepped ingredients in a 9×13-inch baking dish to create the signature baked ziti structure. Start by spreading 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish, forming a flavorful base that prevents sticking and infuses moisture.
Add the cooked San Giorgio ziti on top of the sauce, then spoon in the browned sausage and onion mixture, distributing it uniformly for a balanced blend of textures and tastes.
Dot the dish with the ricotta cheese mixture, followed by another 1 cup of marinara sauce and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers if needed, finishing with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top, resulting in a visually appealing, golden-topped casserole that hints at its comforting, cheesy interior.
Bake
Finally, we bake our assembled dish to meld the flavors and achieve a bubbly, golden finish. Preheat your oven to 375°F as outlined in our tools section, then place the baking dish on the middle rack and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned, filling your home with the warm, irresistible aroma of baked pasta.
To ensure even cooking, cover the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes if the top browns too quickly, then uncover for the remaining time. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the layers to set for easier slicing and a perfectly tender bite that showcases the dish’s bold, satisfying flavors.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the joys of our Baked Ziti Recipe with San Giorgio pasta is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare it ahead to save time without sacrificing those bold, comforting flavors. Below, we outline simple, step-by-step methods to make this dish in advance, ensuring it remains delicious and ready to impress at any gathering.
Preparing Components in Advance
To streamline our cooking process, we recommend prepping individual elements up to 24 hours ahead:
- Cook the pasta: Boil San Giorgio ziti until just al dente as described in our earlier steps, then drain and toss with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Sauté the aromatics and sausage: Prepare the onion, garlic, and ground Italian sausage mixture in a non-stick skillet, then cool and transfer to a sealed container. This keeps the flavors fresh and makes assembly quicker.
- Mix the cheese blend: Combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil, and seasonings in a mixing bowl. Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
Assembling the Dish Ahead of Time
For full convenience, we can assemble the entire baked ziti up to one day in advance:
- Follow our step-by-step instructions up to the layering stage in the 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Once layered, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.
- Important note: Do not bake immediately; this allows the ingredients to marinate and enhance the Italian-American essence of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is key to maintaining the dish’s texture and taste. We suggest the following options based on your needs:
| Storage Method | Duration | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Keep the assembled dish in the fridge at 40°F or below. When ready, remove from the refrigerator, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake at 375°F as per our original instructions, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time for thorough heating. |
| Freezing | Up to 2 months | Assemble the dish but do not bake. Wrap tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe container. To prepare, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden, which may take an additional 20 minutes. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure our Baked Ziti with San Giorgio pasta delivers that perfect, gooey cheese pull and robust sauce every time, making it a go-to for effortless meals.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Baked Ziti Recipe with San Giorgio pasta to bring warmth and flavor to your table. It’s more than a meal—it’s a simple way to create memorable moments with loved ones.
Our approach ensures bold tastes and effortless prep, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion. Try it once and you’ll see why it’s become our go-to for satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is baked ziti and why is it popular?
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort dish featuring pasta, cheese, and sauce baked to perfection. It’s popular for its hearty, bold flavors and easy preparation, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual dinners. The San Giorgio version uses high-quality pasta for the best texture, blending traditions with simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing meal.
What ingredients are needed for this baked ziti recipe?
You’ll need San Giorgio ziti pasta, olive oil, onion, garlic, ground Italian sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan cheeses, fresh basil, and seasonings. Use high-quality components for enhanced flavor and texture. Prepare them in advance for smooth cooking, focusing on precise measurements to achieve the ideal balance.
What tools and equipment are required to make baked ziti?
Essential tools include a large stockpot for boiling pasta, a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembly, a non-stick skillet for sautéing, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a cutting board, chef’s knife, spatula, and wooden spoon. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Having these ready ensures an effortless process and great results.
How do I make baked ziti step by step?
Start by boiling San Giorgio ziti until al dente. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then brown the sausage. Mix cheeses with basil and seasonings. Layer marinara, pasta, sausage, and cheese in a baking dish, top with Parmesan, and bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden. Let it rest before serving for even flavor distribution.
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, prepare components like cooked pasta, sautéed aromatics, sausage, and cheese mix up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble the full dish ahead and refrigerate without baking to let flavors meld. This makes it perfect for busy schedules, ensuring a fresh, gooey result when baked.
How should I store and reheat baked ziti?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then bake covered at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions. This maintains the dish’s texture and flavors for enjoyable meals later.