Million Dollar Baked Ziti is more than just a typical pasta dish; it's a celebration of Italian comfort food that brings families together around the dinner table. This creamy baked ziti recipe features layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta combined with a rich, savory marinara sauce, and an indulgent creamy cheese sauce that elevates it to a new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 pound ziti pasta
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for topping
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain excess fat and add minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and cooked meat (if using). Mix well.
Spread half of the pasta mixture in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top followed by the remaining cheeses.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
