Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish is loaded with tender pasta, gooey melted cheese, a rich creamy sauce, and a hearty tomato base that brings everything together perfectly. Each bite is soft, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors that make it a family favorite.
I love making this baked ziti when I want something filling and made-from-scratch that doesn’t take too much effort. What I really enjoy is mixing layers of pasta with ricotta, mozzarella, and a creamy cheese sauce, then topping it all off with extra cheese to get that golden bubbly crust. It’s one of those dinners that always feels special but comes together in no time.
My favorite way to serve this dish is with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when friends come over because everyone ends up asking for seconds. Honestly, this creamy, cheesy baked ziti is one of those recipes I keep coming back to because it’s just so satisfying and delicious every single time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ziti or Penne Pasta: These tubular shapes hold sauce beautifully. If you can’t find them, rigatoni or penne work just as well. Cooking the pasta al dente is key to avoid mushy baked pasta.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Choose based on your flavor preference. Sausage adds more spice, while beef keeps it classic. For a lighter option, ground turkey or plant-based meat substitutes work nicely.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds a creamy texture without heaviness. Cottage cheese works in a pinch but drain it well. For dairy-free, try silken tofu blended smooth.
Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheeses: Mozzarella melts wonderfully for that gooey top layer, while Parmesan adds sharpness. Feel free to mix mozzarella with provolone or fontina for variation.
Heavy Cream: It makes the ricotta mixture creamier and richer. Whole milk works fine if you want it lighter, or use a dairy-free milk with a touch of butter.
How Do You Get Perfectly Creamy Sauce Without It Being Too Runny?
The secret is balancing the ricotta and cream and cooking the sauce just right before mixing with pasta:
- Mix ricotta with heavy cream until smooth to create a creamy texture—don’t overdo the cream or it will get watery.
- Simmer the tomato sauce and meat mixture to thicken and deepen the flavor before combining it with pasta and ricotta.
- Use al dente pasta to prevent the pasta from soaking up too much sauce during baking.
- Layer the ingredients evenly in the baking dish; this helps with an even sauce distribution and cheese melting.
- Bake uncovered to allow excess moisture to evaporate and create that perfect bubbly cheese crust on top.
Following these simple steps ensures your baked ziti is creamy, cheesy, and holds together perfectly without being soggy.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta until just al dente without getting mushy.
- Large skillet – perfect for cooking the meat and simmering the sauce evenly.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the ricotta and cream smoothly and toss pasta with sauce.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – roomy enough for layering pasta and cheese, and browns the top nicely.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for stirring and mixing without scratching pans.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier, more flavorful twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to increase veggies and add earthiness.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for a little extra kick.
- Mix in a handful of shredded provolone or fontina cheese for a richer cheese blend.
Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Sauce:
- 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta or penne
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce or homemade tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese & Cream Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for lighter option)
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking the sauce and pasta, plus 25-30 minutes baking time, and a 5-minute resting period before serving. In total, plan for roughly 45 to 50 minutes to enjoy a creamy, cheesy, and hearty baked ziti that’s perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti or penne pasta until it is just al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Cooking the Meat and Sauce:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, draining excess fat if needed. Stir the marinara sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to combine flavors.
3. Mixing the Cheese and Cream:
In a separate bowl, blend ricotta cheese with heavy cream until smooth and creamy. This adds a rich texture to the pasta.
4. Combining Pasta, Sauce, and Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, and the ricotta-cream mixture, making sure the pasta is evenly coated.
5. Assembling and Baking the Ziti:
Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then cover with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top.
6. Finishing Touches:
Remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, if you like, then serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy, hearty baked ziti!
Can I Use Frozen Meat for the Sauce?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave defrost setting, then drain any excess liquid before browning the meat.
Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to step 5, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake a few extra minutes until warmed through and bubbly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for best results, or microwave individual portions.
Can I Substitute Ricotta Cheese?
You can use cottage cheese well-drained or mascarpone for a creamier texture, but ricotta gives the best authentic creamy cheesy flavor for baked ziti.
