Easy Cheesy Pizza Baked Ziti Everyone Will Love

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck between choosing pasta or pizza for dinner, this Easy Cheesy Pizza Baked Ziti is your dream come true. It combines the cozy, saucy comfort of baked ziti with all the bold flavors of a loaded pizza—making it the ultimate healthy comfort food for families, parties, and anyone craving a delicious crowd-pleaser. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners and budget-friendly recipes, this one-pan meal will quickly earn a spot on your regular dinner rotation.

With layers of tender pasta, rich marinara, halal Italian sausage or turkey pepperoni, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings, this dish is a warm, bubbling celebration of everything we love about pizza night—wrapped into a forkful of baked pasta goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s start with the obvious: it’s pizza and pasta in one dish.

This recipe takes all the flavor of a meat-lovers’ pizza—spicy sausage, melty mozzarella, herby tomato sauce—and wraps it around tender noodles baked to perfection. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, works beautifully for quick family meals, and even satisfies picky eaters thanks to the custom topping options.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking for your meals for two delivered kind of night at home, this dish is easy to assemble ahead, reheats like a dream, and freezes beautifully.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This baked ziti doesn’t just stop at marinara and mozzarella.

It’s layered with bold Italian flavors, starting with high protein meals like halal sausage or turkey pepperoni and ending with bubbling cheese on top. The seasonings—oregano, basil, and garlic powder—bring that classic pizza shop aroma right into your kitchen.

It’s also endlessly customizable. Love spicy food? Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Going vegetarian? Just swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. This flexibility makes it a fantastic go-to for best meal prep plans, healthy boxed meals, or simply stretching ingredients you already have on hand.

Ingredients

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 12 oz ziti or penne pasta – Holds sauce perfectly and doesn’t get mushy.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps brown the meat and prevent sticking.
• 8 oz halal Italian sausage (or 1 cup sliced halal turkey pepperoni) – For that bold, meaty pizza flavor.
• 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce – Store-bought or homemade, your choice.
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano – Classic pizza flavor.
• 1/2 tsp dried basil – Adds a herby touch.
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder – Boosts the savoriness.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – The gooier, the better.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – For salty richness and browning.
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional) – Salty and briny.
• 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper (optional) – Adds a pop of color and sweetness.
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make It Step-by-Step

1. Preheat the oven
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This keeps the pasta from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Boil the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente—it’ll continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook the sausage (or prep your protein)
   In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your halal sausage, breaking it apart as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, then drain off any excess fat.
4. Mix everything together
   In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, cooked sausage or pepperoni, marinara sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the casserole
   Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Add any toppings you love—olives, bell peppers, even pineapple if you’re into that sweet-savory combo.
6. Bake
   Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For a golden top, broil uncovered for the last 2–3 minutes.
7. Garnish and serve
   Let the ziti rest for 5 minutes to settle before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh finish.

Tips for Best Results

• Cook pasta just until al dente—it’ll finish in the oven.
• If using pre-shredded cheese, look for low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt.
• Broil the last few minutes uncovered for a golden, bubbly top.
• Stir in some ricotta or cottage cheese for added creaminess.
• Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Protein: Swap sausage with halal shredded chicken, ground turkey, or lentils for a meatless version.
• Cheese: Add a layer of provolone or mini mozzarella balls for extra melty bites.
• Sauce: Use a spicy arrabbiata sauce or your favorite hello fresh low calorie menu-style tomato blend.
• Veggies: Add mushrooms, onions, spinach, or roasted red peppers for more texture and nutrients.
• Heat: Mix in crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Crust topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs and olive oil on top for a crispier bite.

Perfect for fans of high macro meals or anyone needing a hearty boost in their protein eating plan.

Serving Suggestions

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Serving Suggestions

This dish is already hearty, but here are some ways to round it out:

• Serve with garlic bread or crusty baguette slices for soaking up the sauce.
• Add a big green salad with lemon vinaigrette for freshness and balance.
• Pair with roasted veggies or steamed broccoli for low calorie high nutrition meals.
• Ideal next to a bowl of tomato basil soup for cold nights.

Great for meals for two delivered style home dinners or casual gatherings where you want a simple yet satisfying main.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

• Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon, iced tea, or a pomegranate spritzer.
• Sides: Caesar salad, roasted zucchini, or a chopped cucumber tomato salad.
• Dessert: End with brownies, tiramisu, or fresh fruit cups for something light and sweet.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Microwave: Reheat single servings for 1–2 minutes, covered.
• Oven: Reheat larger portions at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil.
• Freezer: Assemble and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

This makes it one of the best premade lunch meals or best meal prep healthy options for pizza lovers.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

• Make-ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Freeze it: Wrap tightly and freeze unbaked ziti for the future—perfect for best high protein frozen meals fans.
• Reheat from frozen: Cover and bake at 375°F for 50–60 minutes, removing the foil during the last 10 minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta – Remember: it’ll cook more in the oven.
• Forgetting to season – Taste the sauce mixture before baking and adjust salt and herbs.
• Using watery sauce – Thicker sauces hold better and prevent soupy results.
• Skipping the rest time – Let the ziti sit for a few minutes so it slices clean and holds its shape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use any pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work great.

Do I have to use sausage or pepperoni?
Nope! Use what you like—shredded halal chicken, lentils, or keep it vegetarian.

Can I skip the ricotta?
Yes. It’s optional and the dish is still creamy and flavorful without it.

What’s the best cheese combo?
Mozzarella for meltiness, Parmesan for salty depth. You can also add provolone or fontina for extra richness.

Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes, spicy sausage, or jalapeños for heat.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan substitute.

How do I keep it from drying out?
Cover with foil during the first part of baking and don’t overcook it.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet for browning sausage
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Foil for baking cover

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!