Description
This Creamy Baked Ziti recipe combines tender pasta with a rich tomato and herb sauce, layered with a luscious ricotta cheese mixture and melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a comforting Italian-American classic perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 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
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti later.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add ziti pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and spices: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook for another 30 seconds.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Mix cheeses and egg: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and egg. Add parsley, salt, and black pepper, stirring until even.
- Finish the sauce: Stir heavy cream into the simmered tomato sauce until creamy and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble layers: Spread a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish. Add half the ziti, then half the ricotta mixture, and half the remaining sauce. Repeat layering with the rest of pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the assembled layers.
- Bake the ziti: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid overcooking during baking.
- You can substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni pasta if preferred.
- Use fresh herbs if available for enhanced flavor, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
- For a lighter version, reduce the amount of cheese or opt for part-skim varieties.
