Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

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Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American comfort food that has become a staple at family gatherings, weeknight dinners, and potlucks. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: a hearty, cheesy pasta baked to perfection with a rich, creamy sauce. The Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti takes this traditional recipe to the next level by incorporating extra layers of flavor, a blend of creamy cheeses, and a deliciously gooey texture. Whether you’re cooking for a large crowd or just looking for a comforting meal, this recipe will satisfy all your cravings.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking the ziti pasta according to the package directions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Be careful not to overcook the pasta because it will continue to cook when baked in the oven.

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Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside. Toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to start on the tomato sauce. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent.

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Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly so it doesn’t burn. Garlic can burn quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on it.

Once the garlic is fragrant, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the pan. Stir everything together to combine.

Season the sauce with dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the sugar to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop a deep, rich flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

While the tomato sauce is simmering, it’s time to prepare the creamy cheese sauce that will take your baked ziti to the next level.

In a medium saucepan, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Place the pan over medium-low heat and stir constantly until the cheeses begin to melt together and form a creamy, smooth mixture.

Once the cheese mixture is melted, add the heavy cream and milk. Stir until everything is fully incorporated. Then, season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. The sauce should be creamy and velvety with a nice cheesy flavor.

Step 4: Combine the Sauces

Now that the tomato sauce and creamy cheese sauce are ready, it’s time to combine them with the cooked ziti pasta.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained ziti pasta with the tomato sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the rich, flavorful sauce. Then, gently fold in the creamy cheese sauce, making sure the pasta is generously coated with both sauces. This will create a luscious, cheesy base that will hold up beautifully when baked.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a large 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little olive oil to prevent the ziti from sticking.

Pour the ziti and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spoon or spatula. Be sure the pasta is well distributed, and the sauce is spread throughout.

Next, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta. This layer of cheese will create a golden, bubbly crust when baked.

Step 6: Bake the Ziti

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The cheese should be melted, and the edges of the pasta should be slightly crispy.

If you like your baked ziti extra crispy on top, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the baked ziti is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.

Garnish the ziti with freshly chopped basil if desired for an added touch of color and flavor. Serve the ziti hot, paired with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Ultimate Baked Ziti

1. Use High-Quality Cheese: The flavor of the cheese will make a huge difference in your baked ziti. Opt for high-quality mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan for the best results.

2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember, the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so it’s important to cook it al dente. Overcooking the pasta before baking can lead to a mushy texture.

3. Layer the Cheese: For the ultimate cheesy experience, make sure you have multiple layers of cheese—both inside the dish and on top. This will create a gooey, melty texture throughout.

4. Add Some Meat: If you’re a fan of meat in your baked ziti, you can easily add cooked ground beef, sausage, or even Italian meatballs to the sauce for extra flavor and protein. Simply brown the meat first and add it to the tomato sauce.

5. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in your tomato sauce to create a flavor profile that you love. Fresh basil, thyme, or a splash of red wine can add depth to the sauce.

6. Make It Ahead: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the baked ziti ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

7. Use a Cast Iron Skillet for Extra Flavor: If you have a large cast iron skillet, use it to bake your ziti. It will give the dish a wonderful crispy bottom and enhance the overall flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store the baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.

Freezing Baked Ziti

Baked ziti also freezes beautifully. If you’d like to make a double batch, prepare the dish as instructed but skip the final baking step. Instead, cover the assembled ziti tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, remove the plastic wrap and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 1 hour, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to brown the cheese.

Conclusion

The Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings together rich, flavorful tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and perfectly baked pasta in one irresistible dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, parties, or meal prepping for the week ahead. With a few simple ingredients and some expert tips, you’ll be able to recreate this ultimate baked ziti recipe that’s loaded with flavor and comfort. Enjoy!

Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
45 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Ziti:
• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt (for pasta water)
• For the Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Topping:
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. 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 (usually 8-10 minutes).
• Drain and toss the pasta with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent it from sticking.

3. Make the sauce:

• In a large saucepan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
• Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low, and stir in the ricotta cheese and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
• Add in the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

4. Combine pasta and sauce:

• Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.

5. Assemble the baked ziti:

• Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

6. Bake:

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

7. Garnish and serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Pasta: You can substitute the ziti with penne or rigatoni if desired.

Meat Option: Add cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce for a meaty version of baked ziti.

Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

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