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Cheesy Creamy Baked Ziti

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Cheesy Creamy Baked Ziti is a comforting pasta casserole made with tender ziti coated in a rich tomato-cream sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, baked until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
  8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta over the pasta and sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  9. Layer the remaining pasta on top, add the remaining ricotta, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top if desired.
  11. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just to al dente to prevent overcooking in the oven.
  • Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened to avoid a watery casserole.
  • Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
  • Freeze baked or unbaked for up to 2 months, tightly wrapped.
  • Substitute penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.

Nutrition

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