Copycat Fazoli’s Baked Ziti Recipe
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| Dig into bubbly cheese, rich meat sauce, and tender pasta with this easy copycat Fazoli’s baked ziti that brings cozy Italian-American comfort straight to your table. |
If you love Fazoli’s Baked Ziti, you are in the right place. This cozy pasta dish is warm, cheesy, saucy, and easy to make at home. It has that classic Italian-American comfort food feel that makes everyone want seconds.
In this post, I’ll show you how to make a copycat baked ziti recipe with simple store-bought ingredients and easy steps. It’s great for busy weeknights, family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. And the best part? You don’t have to leave the house to enjoy that tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese.
A Little Background on Fazoli’s and Why This Dish Is So Popular
Fazoli’s is known in the USA for serving fast, affordable Italian-American comfort food. It’s the kind of place people remember for soft breadsticks, hearty pasta, and family-friendly meals. Their baked ziti has become a favorite because it brings together all the best parts of a pasta night in one dish.
Think about it: tender ziti noodles, savory meat sauce, creamy melted mozzarella, and a bubbly baked top. It’s simple, but it hits every comfort food note. The edges get a little browned, the cheese stretches with every scoop, and the sauce soaks into the pasta just enough to make each bite rich and satisfying.
This is a copycat recipe inspired by Fazoli’s Baked Ziti. It is not the restaurant’s actual recipe, and it is not affiliated with or endorsed by Fazoli’s.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Baked Ziti
- Easy to make with everyday grocery store ingredients
- Family friendly and kid approved
- Great for leftovers because it reheats well
- Perfect for make-ahead meals and freezer prep
- Loaded with cheesy, saucy comfort in every bite
If you’ve ever wanted that restaurant-style baked pasta at home without a lot of stress, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients
This recipe makes about 6 servings.
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar, optional, if your sauce tastes acidic
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional for garnish
Optional add-ins:
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- 1/2 cup cooked mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Nutrition
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: About 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
Approximate nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 930mg
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on the brands you use.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Foil, optional
How to Make Copycat Fazoli’s Baked Ziti
Step 1: Preheat the oven.
Heat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. This helps keep the pasta from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Boil the pasta.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt. The water should taste a little like the sea. This is your chance to season the pasta itself.
Add the ziti and cook it until just shy of al dente, usually about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package says. The pasta will keep cooking in the oven, so don’t let it get too soft now. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the meat and onions.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage and the diced onion. Break the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
Cook until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains, about 7 to 9 minutes. The onion should be soft and fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Food safety note: Ground beef should reach 160°F, and ground sausage should reach 160°F. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to know for sure.
If there is a lot of grease in the pan, carefully drain off the extra fat.
Step 4: Make the sauce.
Add the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using. Stir well. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes on low to medium-low heat.
This short simmer brings everything together. It also helps the onions soften more and gives the sauce that cooked-all-day flavor without the long wait.
Step 5: Mix the cheesy filling.
In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan. This adds creamy pockets of cheese throughout the baked ziti. It’s like giving the pasta little hidden treasure spots of comfort.
Step 6: Combine pasta and sauce.
Add the drained ziti to the skillet with the meat sauce, or mix both together in a large bowl if your skillet is not big enough. Stir gently so the pasta gets coated without breaking apart.
Step 7: Layer the casserole.
Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Add dollops of the ricotta mixture over the top. Spread it gently. Then add the rest of the pasta mixture.
Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. This top layer is what gives you that golden, melty finish everyone loves.
Step 8: Bake.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. If you like a more golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 9: Rest and serve.
Let the baked ziti rest for about 10 minutes before serving. I know it’s hard to wait. But this short rest helps the layers settle, so each scoop holds together better.
Sprinkle with parsley if you like, then serve warm.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti at Home
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly firm pasta holds up best after baking.
- Use a sauce you already like. A good jarred marinara can save time and still taste great.
- Shred your own cheese if you can. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Let it rest before serving. This keeps it from sliding apart on the plate.
- Season as you go. A quick taste of the sauce before baking can make all the difference.
One little trick I use at home? I save a small handful of mozzarella for the very top right before baking. It gives the dish that fresh, extra-melty finish that looks so inviting.
Easy Shortcuts and Time-Saving Ideas
Need to make this easy baked ziti recipe even simpler? Here are a few shortcuts that really help on busy days.
- Use pre-diced onions from the produce section
- Use jarred minced garlic instead of fresh
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if that’s what you have
- Use oven-ready pasta with care if the package allows casserole baking
- Make it ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
Make-ahead tip: Assemble the whole dish, cover tightly, and chill. When ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for about 20 to 30 minutes while the oven preheats. Then bake as directed. If it’s cold from the fridge, it may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Freezer tip: Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Allergy-Friendly and Diet Preference Modifications
This is where a home recipe really shines. You can adjust it to fit your table without losing that cozy baked pasta feeling.
For gluten-free:
- Use your favorite gluten-free ziti or penne
- Check that your marinara and tomato sauce are labeled gluten-free
- Cook gluten-free pasta carefully, since it can get soft faster than regular pasta
For dairy-free:
- Use dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan alternatives
- Choose a rich dairy-free cheese that melts well
- Add a spoonful of dairy-free cream cheese if you want more creamy texture
For vegetarian:
- Skip the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or plant-based crumbles
- Lentils can also work for a hearty, budget-friendly filling
For vegan:
- Use vegan pasta if needed
- Replace the meat with plant-based sausage or crumbles
- Use vegan ricotta and shredded mozzarella
- Double-check the Parmesan substitute to make sure it is fully vegan
For lower-fat:
- Use lean ground turkey instead of beef or sausage
- Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella
- Reduce the cheese on top slightly if desired
For lower-carb:
- Try hearts of palm pasta or a lower-carb pasta alternative
- You can also turn this into a layered zucchini bake instead of using pasta
For a spicier version:
- Use hot Italian sausage
- Add red pepper flakes to the sauce
- Top with a few sliced pickled cherry peppers before baking
For picky eaters:
- Use plain ground beef and a smooth marinara sauce
- Skip visible onions by grating them finely or using onion powder
- Keep the seasonings mild and let everyone add extras at the table
What to Serve with Baked Ziti
This dish is already hearty, so simple sides work best. Here are some easy favorites:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Caesar salad
- Steamed green beans
- Roasted broccoli
- A simple garden salad with Italian dressing
If you want that full restaurant-style experience at home, breadsticks on the side are hard to beat.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Leftovers are one of the best things about homemade baked ziti casserole. Some people even think it tastes better the next day, and honestly, they may be right.
- Refrigerator: Store in a covered container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze in portions or as a whole casserole for up to 2 months
To reheat in the microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring if needed, until hot all the way through.
To reheat in the oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Food safety note: Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Common Questions
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes. Penne is an easy swap and works almost the same way.
Can I make baked ziti without ricotta?
Absolutely. Cottage cheese is a common substitute. You can also leave it out and use extra mozzarella if you prefer a simpler texture.
Can I assemble it ahead of time?
Yes. You can build the casserole up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge.
How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?
Use enough sauce, don’t overbake it, and cover it with foil if your oven runs hot.
Final Thoughts
This copycat Fazoli’s Baked Ziti recipe is the kind of meal that brings people to the table fast. It’s warm, filling, familiar, and so easy to make your own. Whether you serve it on a busy Tuesday or for a weekend family dinner, it’s one of those recipes that feels like a win every time.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic, or did you add your own twist? Leave a comment and share it with someone who loves cheesy baked pasta as much as you do.
Disclaimer
This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by Fazoli’s Baked Ziti. It is not the actual restaurant recipe, and no knowledge of Fazoli’s proprietary recipe is implied. This post is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Fazoli’s.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.
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