Creamy Baked Ziti

Creamy Baked Ziti
  • PREP TIME
    20 mins
  • COOK TIME
    20 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    40 mins
  • SERVING
    8 People
  • VIEWS
    393

Imagine twirls of ziti embraced in a velvety tomato cream, blanketed by a luscious layer of melted mozzarella. This baked ziti transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of comforting flavors, ready to grace your table in under an hour. It's the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight or a crowd-pleasing gathering.

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DIRECTIONS

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Image Step 01
01 Step

Recipe View Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). (5 minutes)

Image Step 02
02 Step

Recipe View Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes to ensure it remains al dente. Drain well. (10 minutes)

Image Step 03
03 Step

Recipe View While the pasta cooks, in the same large saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), and cream cheese. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined. (5 minutes)

Image Step 04
04 Step

Recipe View Return the drained pasta to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every strand. (2 minutes)

Image Step 05
05 Step

Recipe View In a 13x9 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Dollop the sour cream over the pasta layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sour cream. Top with the remaining pasta mixture. (8 minutes)

Image Step 06
06 Step

Recipe View Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. (2 minutes)

Image Step 07
07 Step

Recipe View Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown, and the dish is heated through. (20 minutes)

Image Step 08
08 Step

Recipe View Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

For an extra layer of flavor, sauté some minced garlic and onion in olive oil before adding the marinara sauce.
Feel free to add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for a heartier dish.
If you don't have sour cream, you can substitute ricotta cheese.
To prevent the top from browning too quickly, tent the baking dish with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Milan Homenick

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Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.7/ 5 ( 131 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (5)
  • Vern Sawayn

    My kids are picky eaters, but they devoured this. Will definitely make again!

  • Durward Hauck

    The cream cheese makes it so creamy and delicious.

  • Polly Mcdermott

    This recipe is a lifesaver! So easy and everyone loves it!

  • Alessandro Williamson

    I used ricotta cheese instead of sour cream and it worked perfectly.

  • Lorine Sanford

    I added some Italian sausage and it was amazing!

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