Million Dollar Baked Ziti

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Introduction

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that brings rich, cheesy goodness to every bite. This indulgent dish layers perfectly cooked ziti pasta with a velvety, creamy filling, tangy marinara sauce, and an abundance of melted cheese. The result is a casserole that’s as satisfying as it is delicious, making it the perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to treat your guests to something special.

The first time I made this baked ziti, I was amazed at how easy it was to assemble such a decadent dish. Combining creamy ricotta with mozzarella, Parmesan, and marinara sauce felt like creating a masterpiece, and the fragrance of the cheese melting in the oven was simply irresistible. By the time it was done, the ziti was bubbling, golden, and ready to be devoured.

What I love most about Million Dollar Baked Ziti is how versatile it is. It’s ideal for feeding a crowd but also great for leftovers, as it only gets better the next day. You can switch things up by adding cooked sausage, ground beef, or even vegetables to suit your tastes. No matter how you make it, this baked ziti will always be a showstopper that everyone will ask for seconds of!

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Potluck gatherings
  • Holiday meals
  • Meal prep
  • Cheese lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Million Dollar Baked Ziti is an irresistible dish:

  • Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella makes this dish ultra-creamy and cheesy, with a luscious, velvety texture.
  • Flavorful Sauce: The marinara sauce provides the perfect balance of savory, tangy flavors, complementing the rich cheesy layers.
  • Easy to Prepare: This dish is simple to assemble and bake, with minimal prep time required.
  • Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, making it perfect for busy days.
  • Feeds a Crowd: This recipe makes a large casserole that will feed a family or a group of guests, perfect for gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 55 minutes
  • Servings: 8 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 500-600 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Million Dollar Baked Ziti:

  • 1 lb ziti pasta
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ricotta and Cream Cheese: These creamy cheeses are the secret to the rich, velvety texture of the dish.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey, melty mozzarella creates the perfect cheesy topping and filling.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the rich creamy filling.
  • Ziti Pasta: A hearty, tubular pasta that holds the sauce and cheese perfectly.
  • Marinara Sauce: Provides the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness to complement the creamy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Ziti: Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

  1. Combine the Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and the egg.
  2. Season the Mixture: Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until smooth and well combined.

Assemble the Dish:

  1. Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked ziti pasta with marinara sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
  2. Layer the Ziti: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the pasta mixture, then spoon half of the cheese mixture over the pasta. Spread evenly.
  3. Repeat the Layers: Add the second half of the pasta, followed by the remaining cheese mixture. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly across the top.

Bake the Ziti:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake the Ziti: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.

How to Serve

  • With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or breadsticks for a complete meal.
  • With a Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad, such as Caesar or mixed greens, for a light and balanced meal.
  • As a Main Dish: Serve on its own as a hearty, filling dinner.
  • For Family Gatherings: This baked ziti is perfect for serving large groups at family events or potlucks.

Additional Tips

  • Add Meat: For a meatier version, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to the marinara sauce.
  • Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Use Fresh Mozzarella: For an even more indulgent dish, try using fresh mozzarella in place of shredded mozzarella.
  • Let it Rest: Let the baked ziti sit for a few minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set, making it easier to slice.
  • Use High-Quality Sauce: A good-quality marinara sauce can elevate the flavor of the dish. Opt for a rich, flavorful sauce for the best result.

Recipe Variations

  1. Meat Lover’s Baked Ziti: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or pepperoni to the sauce for a meat-packed version.
  2. Vegetarian Baked Ziti: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers to the cheese mixture.
  3. Spinach and Ricotta Baked Ziti: Add a layer of cooked spinach to the ricotta mixture for added flavor and nutrients.
  4. Baked Ziti with Alfredo Sauce: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy, rich version.
  5. Baked Ziti with Sausage: Replace some of the ricotta cheese with crumbled Italian sausage for a flavorful twist.
  6. Buffalo Chicken Baked Ziti: Mix in cooked, shredded buffalo chicken for a spicy twist on this dish.
  7. Pesto Baked Ziti: Use pesto sauce instead of marinara for a fresh, herby flavor.
  8. Baked Ziti with Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra umami flavor.
  9. Baked Ziti with Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory flavor.
  10. Cheesy Baked Ziti: For an extra cheesy dish, add extra layers of mozzarella and Parmesan in the middle of the ziti layers.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: To freeze, assemble the baked ziti (without baking), cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes.
  • Storage: Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Special Equipment

  • Large Pot: For boiling the ziti pasta; a large, deep pot ensures enough space for the pasta to cook evenly.
  • Colander: To drain the pasta after boiling, ensuring it doesn’t get too soggy.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and other ingredients before layering.
  • 9×13 Baking Dish: The standard size for baking the ziti, providing enough space for all the layers to bake evenly.
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Useful for stirring the pasta and sauce to combine the ingredients without damaging the cookware.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements, especially for spices, cheese, and liquids.
  • Cheese Grater: For freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella for better texture and flavor than pre-grated cheese.
  • Garlic Press: Handy for quickly mincing garlic if you’re making your own sauce or adding it to the ziti.
  • Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: For covering the ziti while it bakes, ensuring it stays moist and doesn’t over-brown.
  • Oven Mitts: To safely handle the hot baking dish when it comes out of the oven.

FAQ

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any other pasta shape you prefer.
  2. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Skip the meat and add more vegetables or extra cheese to make it vegetarian.
  3. Can I prepare this in advance? Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
  4. Can I use ricotta substitute? Yes, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta if desired.
  5. Can I freeze baked ziti? Yes, you can freeze unbaked ziti or leftovers for future meals.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich, comforting pasta dish that combines creamy cheese, savory marinara sauce, and tender pasta in every bite. With its indulgent layers and perfect balance of flavors, this easy, make-ahead recipe is ideal for feeding a crowd and will surely be a hit at any gathering.

Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner or as the centerpiece of a special occasion, this baked ziti is sure to satisfy every craving. The combination of melted cheese, hearty sauce, and perfectly baked pasta makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

I can’t wait to see your Million Dollar Baked Ziti creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make it your own. Don’t forget to share your personal twists and tips in the comments. Happy cooking!

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