We’ve always been huge fans of Sbarro’s ziti, that iconic Italian-American comfort food straight from the mall food court scene. With its gooey cheese, savory sauce, and tender pasta, it’s a dish that captures the essence of hearty, no-fuss dining we all crave.
In our recipe, we’ll guide you through recreating this crowd-pleaser at home, drawing from Sbarro’s timeless flavors. Whether you’re nostalgic for takeout or just seeking a simple weeknight win, our version delivers authentic taste with ease.
Ingredients
In our Sbarro Ziti Recipe, we focus on simple, high-quality ingredients that capture the iconic cheesy and savory essence of this Italian-American favorite. Below, we’ve listed them in the order they’re used during preparation, with specific measurements and prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Ziti pasta: 1 pound (454 grams), uncooked – this forms the hearty base, so choose a high-quality brand for the best al dente texture.
- Ground Italian sausage: 1 pound (454 grams), mild or spicy – we’ll brown this first for a flavorful protein foundation; remove casings if using links.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped – adds a sweet, aromatic base; dice it fresh for optimal flavor release.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced – enhances the savory profile; mince just before use to preserve its pungent kick.
- Marinara sauce: 4 cups (about 946 ml), homemade or store-bought – we recommend a robust, tomato-rich version to mimic Sbarro’s signature taste.
- Ricotta cheese: 1 cup (250 grams), whole milk – stir this in for creamy pockets; drain any excess liquid for smoother integration.
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (about 226 grams), shredded – provides the gooey, melted topping; use freshly shredded for better melt.
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup (about 50 grams), grated – sprinkle this for a nutty finish; grate it fresh to intensify the flavor.
- Fresh basil: ¼ cup, chopped – adds a bright, herbaceous note; chop right before adding for maximum aroma.
- Salt and black pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper, to taste – season as we build layers to balance the dish’s savory elements.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons – use extra-virgin for sautéing the initial ingredients, ensuring a rich base flavor.
Instructions
We make recreating our Sbarro Ziti simple and foolproof with these step-by-step directions. By following these precise instructions, you’ll capture the dish’s signature cheesy savoriness and comforting aroma right in your kitchen.
Prep
First, we bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of uncooked ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente – this typically takes 8-10 minutes for the perfect tender yet firm texture. While the pasta cooks, we heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat then add 1 pound of ground Italian sausage breaking it up with a spoon as it browns for about 5 minutes until no pink remains.
Next, we incorporate 1 medium finely chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves into the skillet stirring frequently for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and release their sweet aroma. In a separate bowl, we mix 1 cup of whole milk ricotta cheese with ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil salt and black pepper to taste creating a creamy seasoned blend that will tie the flavors together.
Cook
Once the sausage mixture is ready, we pour in 4 cups of marinara sauce stirring well to combine and let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes allowing the flavors to meld into a rich savory base – the enticing scent of garlic and herbs will fill your kitchen. Drain the cooked ziti pasta and set it aside ensuring it’s not rinsed to preserve its starches for better sauce adhesion.
In the same skillet, we gently fold the drained pasta into the sauce mixture coating each piece evenly for about 1 minute – this step ensures every bite is infused with that bold Italian-American taste reminiscent of Sbarro’s original.
Assemble
We preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Layer half of the pasta-sauce mixture into the dish spreading it out evenly then dollop half of the ricotta-Parmesan blend on top followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for a gooey layer.
We repeat the layering with the remaining pasta mixture ricotta blend and top it off with the rest of the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese creating a beautiful cheesy crown that promises a golden bubbly finish – imagine the satisfying pull of melted cheese as you serve it.
Bake
We place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly – keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning. For added crispness, we switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes watching closely as the surface develops a irresistible charred edge.
Once done, we remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set allowing the flavors to intensify before serving – this rest period ensures clean slices and maximizes the comforting warmth.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Sbarro Ziti recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We often prepare components in advance to save time without sacrificing that signature cheesy, savory flavor. Below, we outline simple, effective steps to make this comforting dish ahead of time.
Preparing the Components
To get started, we recommend prepping the sauce and pasta mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Begin by following the initial cooking steps from our recipe—cook the ziti pasta until al dente, brown the ground Italian sausage, and combine it with onions, garlic, marinara sauce, and the ricotta blend. Once mixed, let the pasta-sauce mixture cool completely before storing.
Storage Options
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. If you plan further ahead, consider freezing for longer preservation. Here’s a quick breakdown of storage times and methods in the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 days | Cover tightly to prevent drying; stir before assembling. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Use freezer-safe containers; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. |
Assembling and Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, assemble the dish as outlined in our step-by-step instructions. If the mixture was refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to ensure even baking. Preheat your oven to the specified temperature, layer the mixture in a greased baking dish with dollops of ricotta and shredded mozzarella, then bake until golden and bubbly. For frozen mixtures, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time and cover with foil initially to avoid over-browning.
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure our Sbarro Ziti remains a go-to, hassle-free meal that delivers authentic Italian-American comfort every time.
Conclusion
We’ve shared our favorite way to bring Sbarro’s ziti magic into your kitchen
and we’re confident it’ll become a go-to comfort meal. It’s all about that perfect
blend of cheesy goodness and ease that keeps us coming back.
Now it’s your turn to whip it up and savor every bite—let’s make mealtime memorable
with this timeless dish. We’d love to hear how yours turns out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sbarro Ziti?
Sbarro Ziti is a classic Italian-American baked pasta dish known for its cheesy, savory flavors and comforting appeal. It’s a nostalgic favorite inspired by Sbarro’s restaurant, featuring ziti pasta baked with Italian sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This homemade version recreates that iconic taste easily for weeknight meals.
What ingredients are needed for the Sbarro Ziti recipe?
You’ll need 1 pound of uncooked ziti pasta, 1 pound of ground Italian sausage, 1 medium chopped onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, 4 cups of marinara sauce, 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella, ½ cup of grated Parmesan, ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. These high-quality ingredients ensure an authentic, flavorful dish.
How do I prepare Sbarro Ziti at home?
Cook 1 pound of ziti pasta until al dente. Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage in a skillet with onion and garlic. Mix in marinara sauce, ricotta, Parmesan, and basil; simmer. Combine with pasta, layer in a baking dish with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Let it rest before serving for easy slicing.
Can I make Sbarro Ziti ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and pasta mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, assemble and bake as directed. For frozen mixtures, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking to ensure even heating and maintain the dish’s comforting flavors.
How should I store and reheat Sbarro Ziti?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake refrigerated portions at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or thaw frozen ones first and bake until heated through. This keeps the pasta creamy and prevents it from drying out.
