If you're looking for the perfect comfort food, this Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is the answer! With tender pasta, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and layers of gooey melted cheese, this dish is pure baked pasta perfection.

Whether you're feeding a crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or craving a warm and hearty dinner, this easy baked ziti recipe will become your go-to favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Rich & Cheesy – Packed with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan!
✔️ Hearty & Satisfying – The ultimate comfort food dinner.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, big flavor!
✔️ Meal-Prep Friendly – Make ahead and bake when ready.

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Ingredients (Serves 6-8)

For the Pasta:

• 500g (1 lb) ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (700g) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Ricotta Mixture:

• 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (for extra creaminess)

For the Cheese Topping:

• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook ziti pasta until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage over medium heat until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer on low for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, garlic powder, salt, Parmesan, and heavy cream.
2. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce.
3. Add half of the cooked pasta, then half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the meat sauce.
4. Repeat with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and sauce.
5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake & Serve

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden.
3. Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: ~480 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

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Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

✔️ Cook Pasta Al Dente – The pasta will continue cooking in the oven.
✔️ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded cheese!
✔️ Make It Extra Creamy – Add a little heavy cream to the ricotta.
✔️ Spice It Up – Add red pepper flakes or chili powder.
✔️ Don’t Skip Resting Time – Letting it sit for 5 minutes helps the flavors meld.

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Storage & Meal Prep

🧊 Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
🔥 Reheat: Warm in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for 15 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
❄️ Freeze: Assemble the ziti, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 190°C (375°F) for 50-60 minutes.

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What to Serve with Baked Ziti

🥗 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
🥗 Caesar Salad – A fresh and crunchy side.
🥗 Roasted Vegetables – Adds color and nutrition to your plate.

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Variations & Customizations

🍆 Vegetarian Option – Swap meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
🧀 Extra Cheesy? – Add burrata or cream cheese for even more creaminess.
🔥 Spicy Kick? – Use spicy Italian sausage or extra chili flakes.