There’s something about the aroma of baked pasta wafting through the house that takes me right back to my childhood in Chicago. My mom, with her Polish roots, always had a knack for making hearty, comforting dishes that brought the family together. One of my absolute favorites was her creamy baked ziti recipe. It wasn’t just a meal; it was an event. The kind of dish that made everyone gather around the table, eager to dig in and share stories from the day. Now, as a mom myself, I love recreating this dish for my own family, adding a few modern twists that make it even more irresistible.
This creamy baked ziti recipe is special to me because it combines the comforting flavors of my childhood with the ease and simplicity I need as a busy mom. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some extra veggies for Ella and Peter without them even noticing!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy baked ziti recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- Comforting and Creamy: The combination of melted cheese and a rich tomato sauce creates a luscious, comforting meal.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit dietary needs or personal preferences.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy baked ziti recipe:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add the Sauce: Stir in the oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and marinara sauce. Let simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Assemble the Dish: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the creamy ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Packed with flavor and nutrition
- Perfect for any occasion
- Customizable to your taste preferences
- Budget-friendly ingredients
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Remember that the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so keep it al dente.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture.
- Let it Rest: Allow the baked ziti to rest for a few minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
COOKING TOOLS
When I make this creamy baked ziti recipe, a few simple tools always make prep faster and cleaner. My go-to tool is the MOSFiATA 8″ Professional Chef’s Knife for chopping onions and garlic effortlessly. I also find that using a 4.2 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven is perfect for sautéing and simmering the sauce, as it distributes heat evenly. And for mixing the creamy cheese layer, the Silicone Utensils Set is a lifesaver, keeping everything smooth and well-combined.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this creamy baked ziti recipe to suit your taste:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Cheese Variety: Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy baked ziti pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and a crusty loaf of garlic bread. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light soup. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon makes the perfect drink accompaniment.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ziti up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What can I do if my ziti is too dry?
If your baked ziti seems dry, try adding a bit more sauce or a splash of cream before baking. This will help keep it moist and creamy.
Final Thoughts
I hope this creamy baked ziti recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. It’s a dish that warms the heart and soul, perfect for sharing with loved ones. Don’t forget to sprinkle some love and laughter as you cook, because that’s the secret ingredient to every great meal. Enjoy!
Dynamic Related Recipe Section
👉 I hope you loved making this creamy baked ziti recipe—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those cozy family dinners. If you’re in the mood for more comforting dishes, check out my recipes for Cozy Chicken Casserole, Creamy Spinach Lasagna, or the ever-popular Classic Mac and Cheese. Each one is a testament to the joy of simple, heartfelt cooking. Join us on our Facebook Page and Facebook Group — and don’t forget to follow on Pinterest for daily inspiration!
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creamy baked ziti recipe 5 Master the Art of Italian Cooking:
A comforting and creamy baked ziti recipe that's perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Keep the screen of your device on while you follow the steps.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef or sausage, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer meat sauce, half of the ziti, and half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.