There’s something incredibly comforting about a bubbling dish of Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti fresh from the oven. This Italian-American classic combines al dente pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses that create the perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors in every bite.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or impressing guests at a casual dinner party, this baked ziti delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The contrast between the crispy top layer and the gooey, cheesy interior makes this dish irresistible to pasta lovers of all ages.
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 45 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights
- Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that are easy to find
- Incredibly versatile – add vegetables or protein to make it your own
- Makes excellent leftovers that taste even better the next day
- The perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with zesty tomato flavor
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef and onion in skillet. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes and seasonings, simmer 10 minutes.
- In large bowl, combine cooked ziti, meat sauce, and ricotta cheese.
- Layer half pasta mixture in baking dish, top with half mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool briefly, garnish with parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Add 1 pound of browned Italian sausage or ground beef for a heartier meal
- Sneak in some vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition
- For extra creaminess, mix in 4 oz of cream cheese with the ricotta mixture
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking – just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk
- Ensure your pasta is truly al dente when boiling, as it will continue to cook in the oven
Serving Suggestions
This Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. For the complete Italian experience, serve with warm garlic bread or homemade focaccia to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano d’Abruzzo complements the tomato and cheese flavors beautifully, making this meal perfect for date night or entertaining friends.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or larger amounts covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- This dish can be frozen before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- The ziti is done when the edges are bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, penne, rigatoni, or any medium-sized tubular pasta works well in this recipe.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian. To make it more substantial, add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce.
What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Baked ziti uses tubular pasta mixed with sauce and cheese, while lasagna features flat noodles layered with sauce and cheese in distinct layers.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, drained cottage cheese can substitute for ricotta in a pinch. For a smoother texture, blend it briefly before using.
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