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Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe

The Crispy Chef
This creamy cheesy baked ziti is the ultimate comfort food — packed with layers of al dente pasta, rich tomato meat sauce, and a blend of cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or make-ahead meals that taste even better the next day!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8
Calories 610 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Cooking spray
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cans 14.5 oz each crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

For the Pasta and Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 lb ziti pasta or penne
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Boil a large pot of salted water.
  • Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion until soft (5 mins), then add garlic for 30 seconds. Add beef and cook through (7–8 mins). Drain fat if needed. Stir in seasoning, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Simmer 10 mins.
  • Cook Pasta: Boil pasta 2 mins less than package instructions. Drain well.
  • Mix Cheese: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, eggs, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Combine: Stir pasta into the cheese mixture. Fold in 3/4 of the sauce.
  • Assemble: Layer half the pasta mixture into the baking dish, top with half of remaining sauce. Repeat. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
  • Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 mins until bubbly and golden. Broil last 2–3 mins for extra crisp top.
  • Rest: Let rest 10 mins before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Customize with sausage, veggies, or chicken for fun variations.
Can be prepped ahead and baked later.
Leftovers are amazing and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 29gFat: 33g
Keyword Baked ziti, cheesy pasta, creamy pasta bake
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