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
Scale
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.
