If you enjoy comforting Italian-American pasta dishes, the Maggiano’s Taylor Street Baked Ziti Recipe is a delicious meal you can easily make at home. This classic baked pasta dish is known for its rich tomato sauce, flavorful Italian sausage, tender ziti pasta, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or weekend comfort meals.
Inspired by the famous restaurant-style recipe, this baked ziti combines al dente pasta, savory sausage, garlic, marinara sauce, and fresh basil to create a rich and comforting flavor. After everything is mixed together, the pasta is topped with cheese and briefly baked or broiled until the top becomes golden and bubbly.
The best part about this recipe is that it only takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. Even though it tastes like a restaurant-quality meal, the preparation is simple and beginner-friendly.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or just craving a warm pasta dish, the Maggiano’s Taylor Street Baked Ziti Recipe delivers classic Italian-American flavor in every bite.
What is Maggiano’s Taylor Street Baked Ziti Recipe?
The Maggiano’s Taylor Street Baked Ziti Recipe is a popular Italian-American pasta dish inspired by the famous menu item served at Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant. The dish features ziti pasta tossed with Italian sausage, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic, butter, and fresh basil, then topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
The pasta is briefly baked or broiled so the cheese melts and forms a golden, bubbly layer on top. This final step gives the dish its signature baked texture and rich cheesy flavor.
Unlike traditional lasagna, baked ziti is easier to prepare because it doesn’t require layering multiple ingredients. Instead, everything is mixed together and baked in a single dish.
The result is a hearty, cheesy pasta dish that combines the comfort of homemade cooking with the flavors of classic Italian-American cuisine.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are many reasons why the Maggiano’s Taylor Street Baked Ziti Recipe is loved by pasta fans.
Restaurant-Style Flavor
This recipe recreates the delicious taste of a popular restaurant dish right in your kitchen.
Rich and Comforting
The combination of pasta, sausage, tomato sauce, and melted cheese creates a warm and satisfying meal.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
Despite its rich flavor, the recipe takes only about 40 minutes to make.
Great for Family Meals
It serves multiple people, making it perfect for family dinners.
Simple Ingredients
The ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores.
Perfect for Leftovers
The flavors often taste even better the next day.
Equipment’s
Before starting the recipe, prepare the following kitchen tools:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large sauté pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven or broiler
- Knife and cutting board
Having the right equipment makes the cooking process faster and easier.
Ingredients with Amounts
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 20 ounces Barilla Ziti Pasta, Recommended
- 2 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1.25 pounds ground Italian sausage
- 25 ounces Prego Classic Marinara Sauce, Recommended
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 40 grams butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 ounces Follow Your Heart Mozzarella Shreds Cheese, Recommended
- 1 basil sprig for garnish
These ingredients combine to create a rich, savory, and cheesy pasta dish.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
Place olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Allow the oil to heat until it begins to shimmer.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
Add the ground Italian sausage to the pan.
Cook while stirring occasionally until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pan with the sausage.
Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 5: Add the Sauce Ingredients
Add the following ingredients to the pan:
- Diced tomatoes
- Marinara sauce
- Butter
- Chopped basil
Stir everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce mixture.
Then mix in half of the mozzarella cheese.
Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish.
Spread it evenly across the dish.
Step 8: Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 9: Broil or Bake
Place the dish under the broiler or in a convection oven for 2 to 3 minutes.
Cook until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baked ziti from the oven.
Garnish with a fresh basil sprig.
Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
- Cook the pasta only until al dente so it doesn’t become too soft when baked.
- Fresh basil adds the best flavor, but dried basil can be used if necessary.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best taste.
- The broiling step should be watched carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
Variations
You can easily customize the Maggiano’s Taylor Street Baked Ziti Recipe.
Chicken Baked Ziti
Replace Italian sausage with cooked shredded chicken.
Vegetarian Baked Ziti
Remove the sausage and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Spicy Baked Ziti
Use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Extra Cheesy Ziti
Add ricotta cheese or more mozzarella.
Whole Wheat Pasta Version
Use whole wheat ziti for a healthier option.
Tips
Follow these tips for the best baked ziti.
Salt the Pasta Water
This improves the flavor of the pasta.
Do Not Overcook Pasta
Al dente pasta holds its shape better when baked.
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic gives a stronger and more authentic flavor.
Broil Carefully
Keep an eye on the dish while broiling to prevent burning.
Let it Rest Before Serving
Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes so the sauce thickens slightly.
What to Serve with Maggiano’s Taylor Street Baked Ziti?
This baked ziti pairs well with many side dishes.
Garlic Bread
Crunchy garlic bread complements the rich tomato sauce.
Caesar Salad
A fresh Caesar salad balances the heaviness of the pasta.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus make great side dishes.
Italian Breadsticks
Soft breadsticks are perfect for dipping in extra sauce.
Sparkling Water or Red Wine
These drinks pair nicely with Italian-style pasta dishes.
How to Store Maggiano’s Taylor Street Baked Ziti?
Proper storage helps keep the dish fresh and delicious.
Refrigerator
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Baked ziti can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Store it in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions.
Maggiano’s Taylor Street Baked Ziti Recipe
Equipment & Tools
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large sauté pan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking Dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven or broiler
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- 20 ounces Barilla Ziti Pasta, Recommended
- 2 ½ tablespoons minced garlic
- 1.25 pounds ground Italian sausage
- 25 ounces Prego Classic Marinara Sauce, Recommended
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 40 grams butter
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 ounces Follow Your Heart Mozzarella Shreds Cheese, Recommended
- 1 basil sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Place olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Allow the oil to heat until it begins to shimmer.
- Add the ground Italian sausage to the pan.
- Cook while stirring occasionally until the sausage is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add the minced garlic to the pan with the sausage.
- Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the following ingredients to the pan:
- Diced tomatoes
- Marinara sauce
- Butter
- Chopped basil
- Stir everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce mixture.
- Then mix in half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish.
- Spread it evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Place the dish under the broiler or in a convection oven for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Cook until the cheese melts and becomes golden and bubbly.
- Remove the baked ziti from the oven.
- Garnish with a fresh basil sprig.
- Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the dish ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes for ziti.
What type of sausage should I use?
Italian sausage works best, but you can choose mild or spicy depending on your preference.
Can I add ricotta cheese?
Yes. Ricotta cheese can be added for a creamier texture.
How do I prevent dry baked ziti?
Make sure the pasta is well coated with sauce before baking.
Conclusion
The Maggiano’s Taylor Street Baked Ziti Recipe is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that brings restaurant-style Italian-American cooking to your home kitchen. With tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for family meals and special occasions.
The recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress guests. In just 40 minutes, you can create a hearty baked pasta dish that everyone will enjoy.
If you love classic comfort food, this baked ziti recipe is definitely worth adding to your dinner rotation.
