Creamy Baked Ziti with Mozzarella

Introduction

Creamy Baked Ziti with Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food — layers of tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, luscious cream, and gooey melted cheese baked to golden perfection. It’s everything you crave in one dish: cheesy, hearty, and irresistibly creamy.

This Italian-American classic combines the best of lasagna and pasta al forno, but with less fuss and just as much flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family, entertaining guests, or meal-prepping for the week, baked ziti never disappoints.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of simple ingredients that create something extraordinary. The combination of creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, and stretchy mozzarella baked together makes every bite decadent.

It’s also a stress-free crowd-pleaser — easy to prepare ahead of time, make in large batches, and reheat beautifully. Plus, it fills your home with the mouthwatering aroma of bubbling cheese and savory tomato sauce.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Creamy Baked Ziti is a must-try for several reasons:

• Ultimate Comfort: Cheesy, creamy, and warm — a dish that hugs your soul.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Easy to make ahead and bake when needed.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Add meat, veggies, or different cheeses to suit your taste.

If you’re a fan of pasta bakes or lasagna, this ziti is a simpler yet equally delicious alternative that’s sure to become a staple.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Course: Main Course / Dinner

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (optional, for extra richness)

For Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Cook the pasta until al dente.
2. Prepare the sauce — sauté garlic, onion, and meat (if using), then add marinara and seasonings.
3. Make the creamy ricotta mixture and combine with cooked pasta and sauce.
4. Layer in a baking dish with mozzarella and Parmesan.
5. Bake until bubbly and golden.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
If using meat, add it now and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine ricotta, heavy cream, 1 ½ cups mozzarella, ½ cup Parmesan, and egg (if using). Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and sauce to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the ricotta-cream mixture until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Baked Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread half the pasta mixture in the dish, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Add the rest of the pasta, and top with remaining cheese.

Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Serve
Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

How to Serve

Serve your Creamy Baked Ziti hot with:

• Garlic bread or buttery breadsticks
• Caesar salad or Caprese salad
• A sprinkle of fresh basil or red pepper flakes for extra flavor

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy date nights at home.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Cook pasta al dente: It will continue cooking in the oven.
• Mix well but gently: You want the pasta coated in sauce without breaking the noodles.
• For extra flavor: Use a mix of beef and sausage in the sauce.
• Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate (bake 10 extra minutes).
• Let it rest before serving: This helps the layers set for cleaner slices.

Variations

Vegetarian Ziti: Skip the meat and add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

1. Four-Cheese Ziti: Add provolone or fontina for even more cheesiness.
2. Spicy Ziti: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy sausage.
3. White Ziti: Skip marinara and use Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist.
4. Pesto Ziti: Mix in 2 tablespoons of pesto for a fragrant, herbal flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or saucepan for sauce
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Foil for covering during baking

FAQ

Q: Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I substitute ricotta cheese?
A: You can use cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture.

Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Absolutely — penne, rigatoni, or even rotini work beautifully.

Q: Can I skip the meat?
A: Yes, it’s delicious as a vegetarian version too!

Q: How do I make it lighter?
A: Use low-fat ricotta and milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese slightly.

Conclusion

Creamy Baked Ziti with Mozzarella is the definition of cozy, cheesy perfection — a classic pasta bake that brings warmth and joy to any table. It’s rich yet simple, indulgent yet comforting, and perfect for gatherings, weeknights, or special occasions.

Each bite delivers creamy cheese, tender pasta, and robust tomato flavor — the ultimate comfort food that never fails to impress.