This classic Baked Ziti recipe features tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, chopped into 1/4-inch cubes, divided
Garnish:
- Fresh basil, chopped
Preparation
- Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. - Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the ziti and cook for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions to keep it al dente.
Drain the pasta and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. - Prepare Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar and chopped fresh basil. Set aside. - Prepare Cheese Mixture:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add the eggs, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
Stir in 1 cup of Parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. - Assemble:
Add 1 cup of the prepared meat sauce and the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture. Mix well.
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Pour the remaining meat sauce evenly over the pasta.
Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. - Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray (to prevent sticking).
Bake covered for 25 minutes.
Uncover and continue to bake for another 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a beautifully browned top. - Serve:
Let the baked ziti sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil.
Enjoy your delicious Baked Ziti, a rich and hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!