Prep time: 15 mins | Cook time: 50 mins | Total time: 1 hr 5 mins | Servings: 8
This is the best Ziti with tons of cheese and marinara sauce. Creamy and delicious. Easily make this with or without meat. Either way, this guarantee the best-baked ziti!
To make this easy creamy baked ziti recipe, all you need are just a few simple ingredients. Mix and layer, then bake. Serve this with a toasted baguette to scoop up all the delicious sauce!
Ingredients
8 oz. cream cheese – 1 package softened
1 lb. uncooked Ziti
1 32-oz. jar Marinara sauce
16 oz. shredded mozzarella
¼ c. chopped fresh basil
½ c. grated Parmesan cheese
How to make Easy Creamy Baked Ziti
Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 375 degrees F. Using nonstick cooking spray, grease an 11 x 9-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Following the package directions, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain when done.
Step 3: Cook the marinara sauce and cream cheese in the same large saucepan over medium heat until the cheese has melted, stirring often. Toss in the pasta until well coated.
Step 4: In the prepared baking dish, pour half of the marinara-cheese-Ziti mixture and sprinkle half each of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Then, top with 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil.
Step 5: Over the cheese, layer the rest of the marinara-cheese-Ziti mixture and top with the other half of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, covered. Uncover and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes or until the Ziti is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
Step 6: Remove from the oven when done and serve right away garnished with the rest of the chopped basil. Enjoy with a toasted baguette.
Tips:
If adding meat (brown ground beef, Italian sausage, or your preferred meat), stir it into the marinara.
In an airtight container, keep any leftovers and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 531 kcal (27%) Carbohydrates: 51g (17%) Protein: 25g (50%) Fat: 25g (38%) Saturated Fat: 14g (88%) Cholesterol: 81mg (27%) Sodium: 1139mg (50%) Potassium: 591mg (17%) Fiber: 3g (13%) Sugar: 7g (8%) Vitamin A: 1350IU (27%) Vitamin C: 8.1mg (10%) Calcium: 411mg (41%) Iron: 2.3mg (13%)
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