Description
This creamy and cheesy baked ziti recipe combines tender pasta with a rich mixture of ricotta, sour cream, and melted mozzarella, topped with savory marinara sauce and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting family dinner, the dish can include a flavorful meat sauce or be made vegetarian, delivering hearty Italian flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Meat (Optional)
- 3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 large egg (optional, for ricotta mix)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for layering the baked ziti.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti in salted water until it is just al dente. Drain well, then toss with olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Cook Sauce (if using meat): In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage. Add minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream or heavy cream, egg (if using), half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Ziti: Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add half of the cooked pasta, then spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over it, followed by another layer of sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, and sauce.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer to achieve a golden, bubbly crust when baked.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Serve: Once baked, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can omit the meat to make this a vegetarian dish.
- Use heavy cream instead of sour cream for a richer, creamier texture.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set for easier serving.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta if desired to make it gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
