If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and utterly satisfying Italian-American classic, this Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe is going to be your new go-to dinner favorite. With perfectly cooked al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, tomato-based sauce that’s luxuriously creamy thanks to a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a splash of heavy cream, this dish is a celebration of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table and keeps the family coming back for seconds and thirds. Trust me, once you try this creamy baked masterpiece, it will become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays a crucial role—from the garlic-packed sauce to the lush cheese filling, and the herbs that bring everything together with just the right hint of flavor and color.
- 1 pound ziti pasta: This tubular pasta holds onto sauce so well, perfect for every bite to be packed with flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté your garlic beautifully without burning it.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor that every Italian dish needs.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: A classic herb that brings a sweet and slightly peppery taste to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy touch, balancing the tomato’s acidity perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough to give a gentle warmth without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The rich, tangy base of your sauce, ensuring every bite is perfectly saucy.
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it creates the luscious cheese layer inside the baked ziti.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: This melts beautifully and provides that classic stretchy, gooey texture.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty finish and enhances the flavor complexity.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it stays creamy and doesn’t separate during baking.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness to the cheese mixture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The secret ingredient that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and velvety.
How to Make Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Adding salt is key because it seasons the pasta right from the start. Once boiling, add the ziti and cook until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, so it still has a bit of bite after baking.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Tomato Sauce
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, being careful not to brown it because a burnt garlic taste can overpower your sauce. Add the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes to infuse the oil and release their flavors for about 30 seconds. Then, pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally—this slow simmer lets the sauce thicken and the flavors deepen.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and the egg. Add chopped parsley, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth and evenly mixed. This creamy mixture is what makes this Baked Ziti stand out, providing that soft, luscious texture in every bite.
Step 4: Finish Your Sauce with Heavy Cream
Once your tomato sauce has simmered, stir in the heavy cream. This transforms the sauce from a simple tomato base into a rich and velvety coating that clings beautifully to the pasta. Taste it now and tweak the salt and pepper if necessary, making sure the balance is just right before assembling.
Step 5: Layer Your Baked Ziti
Grab a large baking dish and spread a thin layer of the creamy tomato sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Then, spoon half of the remaining tomato sauce on top. Repeat this layering with the rest of the pasta, cheese, and sauce for maximum flavor in every forkful.
Step 6: Top and Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the assembled layers for a golden, bubbly topping. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in to allow the flavors to meld nicely.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil add a bright pop of color and a touch of freshness to the rich and creamy ziti. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving also enhances the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
While this dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad lightly tossed in vinaigrette or some garlic bread makes the meal complete and adds complementary textures and contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe in individual ramekins for a fun and elegant presentation, perfect for dinner parties or cozy weeknight meals. You can even sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for a delightful crunchy contrast that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal even more delicious. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
This Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered, until heated through. Remove the cover in the last few minutes to refresh that melted cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work wonderfully since their shapes hold the creamy sauce well, just like ziti.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, as it uses no meat. To keep it vegetarian, just ensure your cheeses don’t contain animal rennet if that’s a concern.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour can be used as a lighter alternative, but heavy cream gives the best rich, creamy texture and flavor.
How do I know when the baked ziti is fully cooked?
Look for bubbly sauce around the edges and a golden-brown, slightly crisp top layer of cheese. The pasta underneath should be tender yet firm, not mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that feels cozy, delicious, and elegant all at once, and this Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe fits that description perfectly. It’s a wonderful way to bring family and friends together over a meal that tastes like it took hours but comes together with love and simple ingredients. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food.
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Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American pasta casserole featuring tender ziti pasta baked in a rich and creamy tomato sauce layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This hearty dish is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, delivering a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled ziti.
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat, then add ziti pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set aside while you prepare the sauce and cheese mixture.
- Sauté Garlic and Herbs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt. Stir in dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
- Simmer Tomato Sauce: Pour crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stir to combine, then bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and the egg. Add chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Add Cream to Sauce: Stir heavy cream into the simmered tomato sauce until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta, then spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Top with half of the remaining tomato sauce. Repeat layering with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top of the final layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Fresh basil and oregano can be used instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
- Use whole milk ricotta or part-skim depending on your desired creaminess and fat content.
- Allowing the baked ziti to rest before serving helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
