Maggiano’s little italy taylor street baked ziti recipe
If you’ve ever visited Maggiano’s Little Italy, chances are you’ve fallen in love with their iconic Taylor Street Baked Ziti — a dish that perfectly captures the comforting flavors of Italian-American cooking. Rich tomato sauce, hearty Italian sausage, tender ziti pasta, and melted cheese all come together to create a meal that’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely irresistible.
In this article, you’ll learn how to recreate the famous Maggiano’s Little Italy Taylor Street Baked Ziti recipe at home, with step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, and make-ahead options. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a dish for guests, this baked ziti is sure to impress.
What Makes Maggiano’s Taylor Street Baked Ziti So Special?
This isn’t your average baked ziti. Maggiano’s Taylor Street version stands out for a few key reasons:
- Italian sausage gives the dish its signature flavor — a balance of savory, slightly spicy, and aromatic notes from fennel and herbs.
- It’s not overly layered like traditional baked ziti. Instead, the pasta and sauce are tossed together, then finished with a layer of cheese for that perfectly golden top.
- The recipe often uses a quick broil instead of a long bake, which creates beautifully browned, bubbly cheese while keeping the pasta tender and saucy.
The result? A restaurant-quality Italian classic that’s hearty enough for Sunday dinner but easy enough for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Maggiano’s little italy taylor street baked ziti recipe
To recreate Maggiano’s Little Italy Taylor Street Baked Ziti, gather the following:
- 16 oz (1 lb) ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup white wine (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)
- 12 oz diced tomatoes
- 20 oz marinara sauce (choose a quality brand or homemade version)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 ounce fresh basil, chopped (about ½ cup loosely packed leaves)
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (divided in half)
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- 9-inch oven-safe baking dish
- Broiler or oven set to high heat
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)
- Colander for draining pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions for Maggiano’s little italy taylor street baked ziti recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to broil or high bake (around 425°F/220°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for your pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Ziti
Cook the pasta until just al dente (slightly firm to the bite). This prevents overcooking when you bake it later. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté until browned, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 4: Deglaze with White Wine
Pour in the white wine and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Simmer until the wine has mostly evaporated — this step adds a restaurant-quality depth of flavor.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, butter, and fresh basil. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked ziti into the sauce and stir until every piece of pasta is coated in that rich tomato-sausage mixture.
Mix in half of the shredded mozzarella so that it melts into the pasta for extra creaminess.
Step 7: Assemble the Dish
Lightly grease your baking dish. Transfer the ziti mixture into it, spreading evenly.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for that classic baked finish.
Step 8: Broil or Bake
Place the dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
If using a regular oven, bake at 425°F for 10–15 minutes until the cheese melts and lightly browns.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Remove the dish and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs, serve warm, and enjoy the magic of Maggiano’s at home.
Tips and Variations
Choose Your Sausage Wisely
The Italian sausage is the star of this dish. Mild sausage creates a smooth, classic flavor, while spicy sausage adds a kick. If you prefer leaner meat, substitute with ground turkey or chicken sausage.
Add More Veggies
For a twist, toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. They blend beautifully with the sauce and make the dish a bit lighter.
Vegetarian Option
Skip the sausage and add more veggies — zucchini, mushrooms, or eggplant work well. Use a rich tomato-basil marinara to keep it flavorful.
Different Cheeses
Mozzarella and Parmesan give you that gooey, golden top, but you can experiment with provolone, ricotta, or fontina for a different flavor profile.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly
- You can assemble the dish ahead of time, refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours, and bake when ready.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- To freeze, portion the baked ziti into containers, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Taylor Street Baked Ziti with:
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
- Caesar salad or a simple Italian green salad
- A glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the sausage and tomato flavors
This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping — it reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to make the legendary Maggiano’s Little Italy Taylor Street Baked Ziti in your own kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and about 30 minutes of prep, you’ll have a meal that’s bursting with flavor and Italian comfort.
Serve it bubbling hot from the oven, and you’ll see why this dish has become one of Maggiano’s most beloved menu items. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this baked ziti will always impress.
Quick Summary
Ingredients:
Ziti pasta, Italian sausage, tomatoes, marinara, garlic, white wine, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil.
Method:
- Cook pasta.
- Brown sausage and garlic.
- Deglaze with wine.
- Add sauce, butter, and basil.
- Combine pasta and sauce.
- Top with cheese.
- Broil until bubbly.
Serve hot and enjoy restaurant-quality baked ziti — Maggiano’s style!
