If you’re looking for a comforting, rich, and satisfying meal, look no further than this Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti. It’s the perfect combination of pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a generous amount of melty cheese. This dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🧀 Cheesy Perfection – Layers of mozzarella and ricotta cheese, making every bite a gooey, melty delight.
🍝 Comforting & Hearty – Hearty ziti pasta smothered in a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s impossible to resist.
🍽️ Perfect for Meal Prep – This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, making it a great choice for busy weeks.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love the cheesy goodness of this dish.
⏱️ Quick & Easy – With only about 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe comes together in no time!

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Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 500g (1 lb) ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (800g/28oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps balance acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 500g (2 cups) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
2. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and sugar (if using). Stir to combine.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Layer

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
2. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Ziti

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large baking dish, spread half of the tomato sauce on the bottom.
3. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce.
4. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
5. Repeat the layers: add the remaining ziti pasta, followed by the remaining tomato sauce and cheese mixture.
6. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Remove the ziti from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve hot.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g

(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

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Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti

✔️ Make It Ahead – You can prepare this dish the night before and store it in the fridge. Just cover with foil and bake it when you’re ready to eat!
✔️ Add Meat – For a heartier version, add ground beef, Italian sausage, or chicken to the sauce.
✔️ Cheese Options – Mix in fresh mozzarella or provolone for extra cheesy goodness.
✔️ Vegetarian Variation – Add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the pasta for extra flavor.
✔️ Bake in Portions – If you have a smaller family or want to make individual servings, divide the ziti into smaller baking dishes or ramekins before baking.
✔️ Crispy Top – For an extra crispy top, broil the ziti for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

🔹 Make-Ahead: Prepare the baked ziti up to the point of baking, cover with foil, and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
🔹 Storing Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔹 Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.

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Tasty Variations

🍖 Meat-Lover’s Ziti – Add browned ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meaty twist.
🍅 Tomato Basil Baked Ziti – Stir in some fresh basil and cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness.
🌿 Vegetarian Ziti – Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted zucchini for a delicious veggie version.
🌶️ Spicy Baked Ziti – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the sauce for some heat!