Description
Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta with a rich, creamy sauce and layers of gooey cheese. It’s a cozy, hearty dish that’s easy to make and can be customized with meat or vegetables. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
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1 pound ziti pasta
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2 cups marinara sauce
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15 ounces ricotta cheese
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: basil, oregano, red pepper flakes for extra flavor
Instructions
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Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook ziti pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Pour in marinara sauce, bring to a simmer, and cook for 5 minutes.
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Stir in ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and heavy cream. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
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In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, then half of the sauce mixture, and top with Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Drain the pasta thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest results.
Add ground meat or veggies to customize the recipe.
To avoid a dry casserole, ensure there’s enough sauce to coat the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American