If you’re craving a warm, comforting, and cheesy pasta dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests, this San Giorgio Ziti recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to! Imagine layers of perfectly cooked ziti noodles wrapped in a rich tomato sauce, smothered with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, and baked to bubbly perfection. Sounds amazing, right?
Here’s a fun fact: San Giorgio is a beloved pasta brand that has been trusted for decades, especially when it comes to ziti — that smooth tube-shaped pasta that holds onto sauce like a champ. I remember the first time I made this dish at a family gathering — it was gone before I even sat down! That’s how crowd-pleasing and family-friendly this recipe is.
What I love about this San Giorgio Ziti recipe is how quick and simple it is to prepare. You don’t need fancy ingredients, just pantry staples and a few easy steps to pull it all together. Plus, it’s super versatile — add sausage, ground beef, or keep it vegetarian — whatever suits your taste.
If you loved my Easy Baked Penne Pasta recipe, you’re definitely going to adore this one. Ready to bake up some cheesy, zesty goodness? Let’s dive in!
What is San Giorgio Ziti?
Okay, let’s talk about ziti — because if you’re asking, “What is San Giorgio Ziti?” you’re in for a treat! Ziti is a smooth, medium-sized tubular pasta that’s perfect for baked pasta dishes because it holds sauce beautifully without getting mushy.
But why San Giorgio? Because it’s a classic Italian-American favorite, and trust me, when grandma said “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” she probably had a big plate of ziti in mind!
So if you’ve never tried making ziti at home, this is your sign to do it now — and don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every cheesy, saucy step!
Why You’ll Love This San Giorgio Ziti Recipe
Delicious, Cheesy, and Satisfying
This San Giorgio Ziti recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, layered with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, and drenched in a savory tomato sauce that makes every bite burst with flavor. If you’re a fan of baked pasta like Lasagna or Baked Penne, this dish is a must-try!
Budget-Friendly and Easy to Make at Home
Why spend a fortune at a restaurant when you can make this delicious baked ziti for a fraction of the price at home? With simple ingredients like pasta, sauce, and cheese, you’ll feed a crowd without breaking the bank — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Loaded with Flavorful Ingredients and Toppings
Want to make it meaty? Add Italian sausage or ground beef. Prefer a vegetarian version? Toss in sautéed spinach or mushrooms. You can even top it with fresh basil and extra cheese for a gourmet touch.
If you loved my Sausage and Ricotta Baked Ziti, this simpler San Giorgio version will definitely win your heart!
Ready to dig in? Keep reading to learn how to make it!
How to Make San Giorgio Ziti Recipe
Quick Overview
This recipe is a one-dish wonder — simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please a crowd. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, making it an easy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Expect gooey cheese, hearty pasta, and rich sauce — pure magic in every bite!
Key Ingredients for San Giorgio Ziti Recipe
- 1 box San Giorgio Ziti pasta (16 oz)
- 24 oz marinara or pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing garlic or adding to sauce)
- Optional: Ground beef, sausage, or vegetables for added flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook San Giorgio Ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. (Optional but recommended!)
Step 4: Stir in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti with the sauce, tossing until well coated.
Step 6: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add the remaining ziti, then top with the remaining cheeses.
Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots on top.
Step 8: Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
What to Serve San Giorgio Ziti Recipe With
- Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks for that classic Italian meal feel.
- A crisp Caesar salad or simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
- For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
- Pair it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water to elevate dinner!
Top Tips for Perfecting San Giorgio Ziti
Don’t overcook the pasta — you want it al dente so it holds up during baking.
Add meat or veggies to customize — sausage, ground beef, spinach, or mushrooms work perfectly.
Use fresh mozzarella for an extra gooey and rich topping.
Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking so it sets up nicely for serving.
Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, bake covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes), or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly with foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Table: Health Benefits of San Giorgio Ziti Recipe
| Ingredient | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Ziti Pasta | Source of carbohydrates for energy |
| Tomato Sauce | Packed with antioxidants like lycopene |
| Mozzarella Cheese | Good source of calcium and protein |
| Parmesan Cheese | High in calcium and adds rich flavor in small amounts |
| Garlic | Supports immune health and has anti-inflammatory properties |
| Olive Oil | Heart-healthy fats that improve cholesterol levels |
San Giorgio Ziti Recipe From DelishDish!
San Giorgio Ziti Recipe
Course: main courseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes30
minutes420
kcalThis San Giorgio Ziti recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make baked pasta dish loaded with savory marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this comforting dish comes together in under 45 minutes and is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
1 box San Giorgio Ziti pasta (16 oz)
24 oz marinara or pasta sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing garlic or adding to sauce)
Directions
- tep 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Cook San Giorgio Ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. (Optional but recommended!)
- Step 4: Stir in your marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti with the sauce, tossing until well coated.
- Step 6: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the ziti mixture, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Add the remaining ziti, then top with the remaining cheeses.
- Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots on top.
- Step 8: Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can easily add ground beef, sausage, or vegetables like spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
For a spicier version, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
Make it ahead of time and bake just before serving for a hassle-free dinner.
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious, comforting San Giorgio Ziti recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or when you just want to impress guests with a hearty, homemade pasta bake. With its gooey layers of cheese, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked ziti, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
The best part? It’s simple, affordable, and endlessly customizable. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own twist with extra veggies or meats, this recipe is one that never disappoints. Plus, it stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to check out other reader favorites like my Baked Penne Pasta or Easy Lasagna Rolls for more cheesy pasta goodness!
So what are you waiting for? Grab that box of San Giorgio Ziti, and let’s get cooking because nothing brings people together like a warm, bubbling tray of pasta.
FAQs: San Giorgio Ziti Recipe
What is San Giorgio Ziti?
San Giorgio Ziti is a classic tube-shaped pasta perfect for baked pasta dishes. It holds sauces well and is commonly used in hearty, cheesy, baked casseroles like Baked Ziti.
Can I use other pasta instead of San Giorgio Ziti?
Yes! If you don’t have San Giorgio Ziti on hand, you can substitute penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to adjust cook
Share Your Twist!
One of the best things about this San Giorgio Ziti recipe is how easy it is to make it your own! Do you love adding extra cheese (who doesn’t?), or maybe you sneak in some veggies for a healthier twist? Some people like to toss in spicy Italian sausage, while others keep it classic and meat-free.
Maybe you’ve swapped out the marinara for a creamy Alfredo or added a surprise layer of ricotta—yum! The possibilities are endless, and I’d love to hear about your special take on this comfort dish.
💬 Tell me in the comments:
What’s your favorite way to make baked ziti?
Do you add a secret ingredient that takes it over the top?
Have a family story or tradition tied to this dish?
Share your tips, twists, and photos—you might just inspire someone else’s next dinner!
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