Creamy Baked Ziti

The sauce is the heart of this creamy baked ziti, and it’s what truly takes this dish to the next level. As it bakes in the oven, the cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, rich blanket that wraps around every tender pasta piece. The secret to that extra creaminess lies in the combination of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, which, when paired with a splash of heavy cream, creates a silky smooth texture that’s just irresistible. As the dish bakes, the aroma of the garlic, basil, and melted cheese fills the kitchen, creating that warm, comforting feeling that only a homemade meal can bring.

What I love most about baked ziti is that it’s one of those dishes that seems to taste even better the next day. The flavors have time to settle, and the sauce thickens up, making each bite even more flavorful. This is a perfect dish for making ahead and enjoying for dinner throughout the week. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can add in a handful of sautéed mushrooms, throw in some spicy sausage, or even toss in a few fresh spinach leaves to elevate the flavor profile. It’s a dish that invites you to get creative, and no matter what, it always feels like a warm hug on a plate.

And let’s talk about the crusty golden top for a moment. That crispy, cheesy top is the finishing touch to this dish—slightly caramelized and so satisfying to break through with your spoon. It adds that perfect contrast to the creamy interior and makes each bite a little more special. The best part? That first forkful where the cheese stretches just a little bit, and you know you’ve created something truly indulgent and comforting.

Key Ingredients in Creamy Baked Ziti

Each ingredient in this baked ziti plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and creating that creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this dish so unforgettable. From the savory base to the decadent top, every bite is enhanced by these simple yet essential ingredients.

• Ziti pasta: The hearty, ridged pasta that holds the sauce perfectly. Its shape is ideal for capturing all that delicious creaminess in every bite.
• Olive oil: Used to sauté the garlic and herbs, giving the sauce a rich base and helping to bring out the flavors of the aromatics.
• Garlic: Minced to release its savory essence, garlic adds depth and a subtle warmth to the sauce, infusing it with a comforting aroma as it cooks.
• Dried basil: A classic Italian herb that brings a sweet, slightly peppery flavor to the sauce, making it taste fresh and aromatic.
• Dried oregano: This herb adds a robust, earthy flavor to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes with its slightly bitter notes.
• Red pepper flakes: A pinch of heat that enhances the other flavors in the sauce without overpowering them, giving a little kick to every bite.
• Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, offering a tangy, slightly sweet base that brings everything together in a rich and flavorful way.
• Ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese provides the dish’s smooth texture and adds a delicate richness that complements the other cheeses in the sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mel

How to Make Creamy Baked Ziti

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Baked Ziti

1. Pair with a Crisp Green Salad
A light and refreshing salad with tangy vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the creamy ziti. I love throwing together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a few slivers of red onion for a bite of freshness. The bright acidity in the dressing cuts through the richness and makes each bite of ziti even more satisfying.

2. Serve with Warm Garlic Bread
Is there anything better than dipping a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread into that creamy sauce? The crunchy, garlicky bread is the perfect companion, soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate. Plus, the combination of crispy and creamy textures is truly heavenly.

3. Top with Fresh Basil or Parsley
For a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor, sprinkle some finely chopped basil or parsley over the baked ziti just before serving. It not only adds a lovely herbaceous note but also gives your dish that “chef’s kiss” touch that makes it look as good as it tastes.

There’s just something about this ziti that invites you to get cozy, dig in, and savor every last bite!

How to Store Creamy Baked Ziti

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing creamy baked ziti is a breeze, and it’ll taste just as delicious the next day. To keep it fresh, first allow the ziti to cool down to room temperature before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can pop it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors continue to meld, and I actually think it gets better with time—like a comforting Italian casserole that’s been waiting to be devoured.

If you’re looking to keep it for a little longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Just be sure to let the ziti cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake it in the oven until heated through. The cheese might need a little extra time to melt back into that creamy goodness, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.

For a quicker option, you can also store individual portions in small airtight containers. This way, you’ve got a perfect single-serving meal ready to go whenever you need a cozy dinner. Just reheat in the microwave or oven, and you’re all set to indulge again in the rich, cheesy deliciousness.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your guide to making the creamiest, most comforting baked ziti! From the rich, aromatic tomato sauce to that decadent cheesy layer, every bite of this dish is a warm, cozy experience. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, prepping ahead for a busy week, or simply indulging in something comforting, baked ziti is always a crowd-pleaser.

The beauty of this dish is that it’s so versatile. You can add your favorite ingredients, adjust the seasonings, and make it your own while still getting that creamy, cheesy goodness we all crave. Plus, the leftovers are just as good (if not better!) the next day, making this one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to.

I’d love to hear what you think if you give this recipe a try! Feel free to share any tweaks you made or let me know how it turned out. And if you have any questions or need some help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious, cozy meals ahead!

Print Recipe

Creamy Baked Ziti

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 10 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Calories: 550

Description

This creamy baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food! Tender pasta smothered in rich, velvety cheese and marinara sauce, baked to golden perfection. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory, leaving you craving more!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 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 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
3. Once the water is boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a colander.
5. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
7. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, and cook for another 30 seconds.
8. Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet, stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
9. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. While the sauce simmers, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and the egg.
11. Add the chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture and stir well until everything is evenly combined.
12. Once the sauce has simmered, add the heavy cream and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
13. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
14. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
15. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce in the baking dish.
16. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta, using a spatula to evenly distribute it.
17. Top the ricotta layer with half of the remaining tomato sauce.
18. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta cheese mixture, and tomato sauce.
19. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the ziti.
20. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
21. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
22. Once the ziti is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Note

• For extra flavor, try adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• Use whole milk ricotta for a creamier texture, if desired.
• Feel free to substitute fresh basil and oregano for dried for a more vibrant taste.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated easily.

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