Description

This Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is everything you want in a pasta bake—rich, hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s layered with a creamy ricotta mixture, zesty marinara, and melty mozzarella, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table!

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (optional)
3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the pasta: Boil ziti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Brown the meat (if using): In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
Mix the creamy filling: In a bowl, stir together ricotta, sour cream, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble the casserole:
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add half of the cooked ziti.
- Dollop and spread the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
- Sprinkle half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
- Add the rest of the ziti, then the remaining sauce.
- Top with the remaining cheeses.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Garnish and serve: Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Top with parsley if desired.

Notes

You can make this ahead and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.
Add chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies.
Make it meatless by skipping the beef or using plant-based crumbles.