Chicago-Style Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting pasta dish featuring tender ziti, a rich tomato-basil sauce, and melted mozzarella, baked to golden perfection. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes blends ziti pasta, chopped tomatoes, chopped fresh basil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 190°C. Cook 500g ziti in salted boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 large diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add 600g chopped tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, and 1/2 cup fresh basil. Simmer for 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 200g shredded mozzarella and 50g grated Parmesan. Mix well, then pour over drained ziti in a baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicago-Style Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chicago-Style Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicago-Style Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicago-Style Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chicago-Style Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes