Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

This Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and loaded with layers of pasta, a velvety cream sauce, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish delivers heartwarming flavor with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked ziti is not your average pasta bake. It combines the bold flavors of Italian-style marinara with the smooth creaminess of a cheese-infused béchamel for a decadent twist. It’s easy to prepare, great for make-ahead meals, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can add meat, veggies, or keep it vegetarian!

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ziti pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Ricotta cheese
• Garlic
• Onion
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until translucent.
4. Add marinara sauce, cream cheese, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Stir in cooked pasta and mix well to coat.
6. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, then dollop with ricotta, and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Repeat the layers and finish with a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour

Variations

• Add meat: Mix in cooked ground beef, sausage, or shredded chicken for added protein.
• Make it vegetarian: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Spice it up: Toss in red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Swap the pasta: Penne or rigatoni work just as well if you don’t have ziti.
• Use different cheeses: Try fontina, provolone, or gouda for unique flavor profiles.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For single portions, microwave in 60-second intervals.

FAQs

How do I prevent baked ziti from drying out?

Use plenty of sauce and cover with foil during baking to keep it moist.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?

Baked ziti uses tube-shaped pasta and is layered more casually than structured lasagna sheets.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese can be a lighter substitute for ricotta.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free ziti or penne pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making a cream sauce?

Yes, you can substitute Alfredo sauce, but it may be richer in flavor.

What type of mozzarella is best?

Low-moisture shredded mozzarella works best for baking and melting.

Do I need to boil the pasta first?

Yes, boiling the pasta before baking ensures it cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce.

Can I add spinach or kale?

Absolutely. Sautéed spinach or kale makes a great addition to the cheese mixture.

Is it okay to skip cream cheese?

You can skip it or replace it with extra ricotta or a bit more heavy cream for creaminess.

Conclusion

Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is everything a baked pasta dish should be: indulgent, flavorful, and comforting. With its simple prep and rich, satisfying taste, it’s a guaranteed hit for any dinner table. Whether you serve it fresh out of the oven or reheat it for leftovers, this baked ziti is bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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