Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Pasta enthusiasts adore this mouthwatering creamy cheesy baked ziti that promises pure comfort.

Layers of melted cheese and tender noodles create a symphony of flavors.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a casserole dish, promising deliciousness in every bite.

Rich marinara sauce mingles with soft ziti, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you can craft at home.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this classic Italian-inspired dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Bubbling cheese and golden-brown edges signal a meal ready to steal the show.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every incredible, cheesy moment.

Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti: The Weeknight Hero

• This ziti recipe transforms complicated dinner prep into a stress-free experience, requiring minimal kitchen skills and delivering maximum flavor without complex techniques.
• Designed to please everyone from kids to adults, the dish offers hearty portions and customizable ingredients that make mealtime enjoyable and satisfying for the whole family.
• Packed with cheesy goodness and rich meat sauce, this baked ziti delivers classic Italian-American comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
• Easily prepared in advance and refrigerated, this recipe allows busy home cooks to assemble the dish earlier in the day, then simply pop it in the oven when dinnertime arrives, saving precious evening minutes.

What Goes into Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

• Ziti Pasta: Classic Italian pasta shape perfect for holding sauce and cheese in every bite. Choose a high-quality brand for best texture.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds subtle flavor to the base.

• Ground Beef, Ground Sausage: Rich meat options that provide hearty flavor and protein. Choose lean meat for less grease.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that forms the foundational flavor of the dish. Select a high-quality jarred sauce or homemade version.

• Ricotta Cheese, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious texture. Look for full-fat versions for maximum richness.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty and sharp cheeses that provide golden, stretchy topping. Select freshly grated cheese for best melting.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build deep flavor in the sauce. Choose fresh, firm produce.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that enhance overall taste and provide gentle heat.

• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture and provides structure. Use fresh, room temperature egg.

How to Make the Ultimate Baked Ziti

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

• Grab a large pot and fill with water
• Add a pinch of salt
• Bring water to a rolling boil
• Drop in ziti pasta
• Cook until perfectly tender
• Drain pasta and set aside

Step 2: Create Savory Meat Sauce

• Warm olive oil in a large skillet
• Toss in chopped onions
• Sauté until softened and translucent
• Add minced garlic
• Stir quickly to release aromatic flavors
• Introduce ground beef or sausage
• Break meat into small crumbles
• Cook until deeply browned
• Drain any excess fat
• Pour in marinara sauce
• Sprinkle in
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Let sauce simmer gently

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Ricotta Blend

• Combine in a mixing bowl
• Ricotta cheese
• Sour cream
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese
• Mix until smooth and well incorporated

Step 4: Assemble Delicious Layers

• Preheat oven to 375°F
• Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
• Spread thin layer of sauce on bottom
• Add first layer of cooked pasta
• Dollop half the ricotta mixture
• Pour half the remaining sauce
• Repeat layering process
• Sprinkle generously with
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

• Cover with aluminum foil
• Bake for 20 minutes
• Remove foil
• Continue baking 10-15 minutes
• Watch for golden, bubbly cheese top

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Let dish rest 5-10 minutes
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley
• Slice and serve hot

Helpful Tips for Better Cheesy Ziti

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Aim for al dente texture by testing pasta 1-2 minutes before package instructions suggest, ensuring it remains slightly firm when bitten.
• Reduce Grease Effectively: Drain excess fat from ground meat using a colander or blotting with paper towels to prevent a greasy final dish.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like provolone, fontina, or romano to create unique flavor profiles and enhance the overall taste.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the entire casserole in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, which intensifies the flavors.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes and seasonings according to personal preference, using less for mild taste or adding more for a zesty kick.

How to Store and Reheat Baked Ziti Right

• Transfer leftover baked ziti to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place ziti in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of water or extra marinara to prevent drying out.
• Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a tablespoon of water to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Baked Ziti Pairings That Make Dinner Complete

• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the ziti, adding fresh, zesty notes that balance the creamy pasta.
• Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese, whose acidity and tannins beautifully enhance the tomato sauce and complement the hearty meat flavors.
• Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up extra sauce, providing a crunchy texture contrast and additional garlicky depth to the meal's overall flavor profile.
• End the meal with a light lemon sorbet or panna cotta, offering a refreshing, palate-cleansing finale that doesn't overwhelm after the rich main course.

Tasty Twists for Your Baked Ziti Routine

• Vegetarian Ziti: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or meat substitutes. Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ziti pasta made from rice or corn. Ensure all other ingredients like marinara sauce are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap traditional pasta with cauliflower rice or roasted cauliflower florets. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy, cheesy texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute ricotta with cashew cheese or tofu ricotta. Use dairy-free mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Choose plant-based milk for creaminess.

Cheesy Baked Ziti Q&A

• Can I make this baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish completely and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef or sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version.

• What type of pasta works best if I don't have ziti?

Rigatoni, penne, or mostaccioli are excellent substitutes that have similar shapes and will work perfectly in this recipe. They have similar tube-like structures that hold sauce well.

• Can I freeze this baked ziti?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.

Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Zesty Ziti Delight delivers Italian-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Rich pasta layers mingle with tangy marinara and melted cheeses, promising a hearty meal that satisfies deep cravings and warms hungry souls.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ziti pasta or penne
• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (24 fl oz/710 milliliters) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
2. Add ziti and cook until tender yet firm, following package guidance.
3. Carefully drain pasta and reserve for later assembly.
4. Warm olive oil in a substantial skillet over medium temperature.
5. Gently sauté diced onions until translucent and softened.
6. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
7. Incorporate ground meat, breaking into small crumbles while browning thoroughly.
8. Eliminate any excess fatty liquid from the meat.
9. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, blending with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
10. Allow sauce to simmer and meld flavors for several minutes, then remove from heat.
11. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream, whisked egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan.
12. Preheat oven to 375°F.
13. Coat a rectangular baking dish with a thin layer of meat sauce.
14. Create initial pasta layer, spreading half the cooked ziti evenly.
15. Distribute half the ricotta mixture across the pasta.
16. Ladle half the remaining meat sauce over the layer.
17. Repeat layering process with remaining ingredients.
18. Generously sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
19. Shield with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
20. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese turns golden and bubbling.
21. Allow dish to rest and slightly cool for several minutes.
22. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

• Test pasta doneness by tasting a piece before draining to ensure perfect al dente texture without being too soft or hard.
• Drain pasta immediately and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, creating smoother layering in the baked dish.
• Blot ground meat with paper towels to remove excess fat, ensuring a cleaner, less greasy sauce and preventing oil separation.
• Customize the dish by swapping ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, more diet-friendly version that maintains rich flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 80 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg