Easy Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 50

Total Time: 1 5

Servings:

Calories: 531kcal

Ziti, lots of cheese, and marinara sauce make for the best baked ziti! Make this baked pasta with or without meat, either way it's delicious.

Heat oven to 375°F and spray an 11x9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large saucepan, cook the pasta according to package instructions (al dente/no salt), and drain.
1 pound uncooked ziti
In the same large saucepan set over medium heat, cook the marinara sauce and cream cheese together until the cheese melts. Stir often.
1 32 ounce jar Marinara sauce, 8 ounces cream cheese
Add the pasta to the marinara/cheese sauce and mix well.
Pour half the marinara/cheese/ziti sauce in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan cheeses.
16 ounces shredded mozzarella, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sprinkle the cheeses with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil.
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Layer the remaining marinara/cheese/ziti sauce over the cheese and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover and bake at 375° for 30 minutes.
Remove the cover and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until the baked ziti is bubbly and cheese is golden.
Garnish with the remaining chopped basil and serve with toasted baguette.
Enjoy!

To add meat: brown ground beef, Italian sausage, or preferred meat, then mix into the marinara.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days, or the freezer for 2 months.