This Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is the perfect comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s packed with tender pasta, ooey-gooey melted cheese, and a rich creamy sauce that all come together in a hearty, delicious bake. The layers of gooey mozzarella and creamy ricotta mixed with ziti noodles make every bite so satisfying.
I love how easy it is to throw together but still looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. One of my favorite parts about this recipe is how the top gets that golden brown crust, making each spoonful a little extra special. If you’re a cheese lover like me, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one serving!
This baked ziti is ideal for sharing with family or friends on a chilly evening, and I usually like to pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone around the table, ready to dig in and enjoy some good, hearty food together. Trust me, it might even become your go-to dinner when you want something easy but super tasty.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ziti Pasta: This tube-shaped pasta holds sauce well. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni work great too. They have similar shapes that trap cheese and sauce nicely.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: I like Italian sausage for extra flavor, but ground beef is a classic choice. For a lighter option, try ground turkey or even plant-based crumbles.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess and a mild flavor. Cottage cheese is a good substitute if you blend it smooth, and cream cheese can work if you’re in a pinch.
Mozzarella & Parmesan: Mozzarella melts beautifully, giving that stretchy, cheesy texture. Parmesan adds a nutty, salty bite. Feel free to mix in provolone or fontina for a slightly different taste.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce extra creamy. Half-and-half or whole milk can be used to lighten it up, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy and Cheesy Bake without Dry Pasta?
The trick to creamy baked ziti is balancing moisture and baking time. Here’s what helps:
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly undercook ziti to avoid mushy noodles after baking.
- Toss Pasta with Olive Oil: This stops noodles from sticking as you prepare the sauce and assemble the dish.
- Reserve Sauce: Keep some sauce aside to layer inside. The sauce adds moisture during baking, preventing dryness.
- Mix Cheeses and Cream: Combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream keeps the interior rich and moist.
- Cover While Baking: Baking covered with foil during the first stage traps steam and melts cheese evenly.
- Brown the Top: Removing the foil at the end lets cheese brown nicely without drying the entire dish.
Following these tips guarantees a tender, cheesy baked ziti that stays creamy and not dry. I love letting it rest a few minutes after baking to help it set before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta; big enough so the pasta cooks evenly without sticking.
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the meat and sautéing onions and garlic in one pan.
- Large mixing bowl – makes it easy to combine pasta, sauce, and cheeses smoothly.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – roomy enough to bake the ziti without spilling and browns cheese nicely.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the dish while baking and keep the moisture in.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for mixing and scraping the skillet without scratching it.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey to change the flavor and lean up the dish.
- Add sautéed spinach or kale for a boost of greens and extra nutrition that blends well with cheese.
- Mix in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy contrast that brightens the dish.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for more heat and classic herby flavor enhancements.
Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce (optional for extra sauciness)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cheesy Creamy Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation, 10 minutes to simmer the sauce, and approximately 35 minutes of baking time, totaling around 60 minutes from start to finish. Don’t forget to allow 5 minutes for resting before serving!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta and Sauce:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Meat and Simmer the Sauce:
Add ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6–8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in the marinara sauce, optional tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes so the flavors blend well.
3. Mix Pasta with Cheese and Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce—reserving about half a cup of sauce for topping—ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Mix everything well until creamy and coated evenly.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Pour some reserved sauce over the first layer. Then add the remaining pasta mixture and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
5. Rest and Serve:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top before serving.
Enjoy your ultimate creamy cheesy baked ziti with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a delicious and hearty meal everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Meat for This Recipe?
Yes! If using frozen ground beef or sausage, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and ensures even cooking throughout the recipe.
Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the baked ziti as directed, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for about 30–40 minutes, then uncover and bake until bubbly and golden.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses?
Yes! Feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different melt and flavor, and Parmesan with pecorino Romano for a sharper note. Just keep the cheese quantity similar for melty, creamy results.
