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Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti
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Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American casserole dish featuring tender tubular pasta baked with a rich marinara sauce, a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and optionally savory ground beef or Italian sausage. This easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe offers gooey melted cheese layers and perfectly balanced flavors, ideal for family dinners or entertaining. Customizable for vegetarian or gluten-free diets, this baked ziti also makes delicious leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb ziti pasta

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce & Meat

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook, as it will bake further in the oven. Drain well and toss lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped garlic and onion until translucent and aromatic, about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef or Italian sausage if using, cook until browned and fully cooked. Stir in marinara sauce and fresh basil or Italian seasoning. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to develop rich flavors.
  3. Mix Cheese and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the cooked pasta and half of the prepared sauce, ensuring every bite is creamy and thoroughly coated.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the remaining sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Evenly distribute the pasta and cheese mixture on top. Spoon the remaining sauce over the pasta, then sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier while preserving the creamy, cheesy texture.

Notes

  • Don’t skip salting the pasta water to enhance overall flavor.
  • Use fresh ricotta and mozzarella cheeses for best creamy texture and melt.
  • Let the baked ziti rest before serving to keep layers intact.
  • Adjust cheese amounts to preference; add extra mozzarella for more cheesiness or sprinkle with Parmesan for sharper flavor.
  • Cover with foil while baking to trap moisture and prevent drying before cheese browns.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, creamy baked pasta, cheesy baked ziti, comfort food, Italian casserole, easy dinner, gluten-free baked ziti, vegetarian baked ziti, family meal

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/ultimate-creamy-cheesy-baked-ziti/