Baked Ziti: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food Classic
This Cheesy Baked Ziti Bliss is one of those dishes that brings people together. It’s warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor—the kind of meal that feels like a big hug on a plate. I’ve been making this Baked Ziti for years, and it’s a tried-and-true favorite that feeds a crowd and leaves everyone satisfied.
“Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” – Federico Fellini
Baked Ziti has its roots in Italian-American cuisine, inspired by the traditional baked pasta dishes of Southern Italy. “Ziti” comes from the Italian word for “bride,” as it was often served at wedding feasts. Over time, this dish has become a household favorite, cherished for its rich flavors and versatility. In fact, I made this very dish for my husband Jared and I’s engagement party, and it quickly became a favorite of our family and friends.
The Secret to Cheesy Baked Ziti Bliss: The Pink Sauce
One of the things that makes my recipe stand out is the creamy pink sauce. It starts with my favorite pasta sauce—Rao’s Marinara—and a simple but delicious twist: cream cheese. The key is to let the cream cheese melt into the pasta sauce, creating a luscious, velvety pink sauce that perfectly coats every piece of ziti. The result is rich and indulgent, but not overly heavy.
My Tips for Perfect Pasta
When boiling the ziti, I always add a splash of olive oil to the water to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is cooked, I toss it with a little bit of water and olive oil to keep it from drying out while preparing the rest of the dish. This little trick makes all the difference in maintaining a perfectly tender texture.
Pampered Chef Tools to Make Baked Ziti a Breeze
I love using different tools in the kitchen to make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Pampered Chef offers a variety of kitchen tools that would make preparing baked ziti easier and more fun. Here are a few that would help streamline the process, and these are affiliate links:
- Stoneware Rectangular Baker ($65): This is my go-to dish for baking ziti. The stoneware ensures even cooking and keeps the pasta warm longer.
- Mix ‘N Chop ($16): Perfect for breaking up ground beef or sausage for the meat sauce.
- Food Chopper ($45): Ideal for chopping onions, garlic, or any other aromatics.
- Silicone Prep Bowls ($27.50 for a set): Great for measuring and melting ingredients like cream cheese.
- Adjustable Double Grater ($55): Makes shredding mozzarella or grating Parmesan quick and easy.
- Garlic Press ($24.50): Adds fresh garlic to the sauce effortlessly.
The Assembly
Once the pasta and sauce are ready, place your pasta in a large bowl and add 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, stirring to combine. Pour in the pink sauce and mix until every piece of pasta is well coated. This step ensures a creamy, cheesy base for your baked ziti that everyone will love.
Next, layer half of the pasta mixture in your baking dish, then sprinkle it generously with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat with another layer of pasta and cheese, finishing with a final sprinkle of Parmesan on top. This adds a golden, savory crust when baked. Be sure to make the sauce saucy enough to coat the pasta well but not overly saucy, as the pasta will absorb some of the moisture while baking. Pro tip: Save any extra pink sauce for drizzling over leftovers or using in another dish—it’s too good to waste!
Bake at 350°F until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the ziti rest for a few minutes before serving—it’ll be hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Final Thoughts
Baked Ziti is a versatile dish that you can easily customize to suit your tastes. If you’d like to add meat, Italian sausage is a fantastic choice—I’ve made it with sausage before, and it’s absolutely delicious.
For the ultimate meal, pair your baked ziti with a good crusty sourdough bread and a classic Caesar salad. This combination creates a satisfying, well-rounded spread that’s perfect for feeding a group. Whether you add meat or not, grilling some sausage to serve on the side will guarantee happy and well-fed guests!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I’ve enjoyed making it over the years. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Savory Savage is a reader-supported site, and we may earn commissions on any affiliate links used. Your support helps us continue creating great content and sharing delicious recipes with you!
Enjoy! Make sure to check out more fun recipes from Savory Savage!
Cheesy Baked Ziti Bliss: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Deliciously cheesy and comforting, this Baked Ziti combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich pink sauce made from creamy cheese and tangy pasta sauce. Layers of mozzarella and Parmesan make every bite melt-in-your-mouth. It’s the perfect dish to serve a crowd, and whether you add sausage or keep it meat-free, it’s guaranteed to satisfy!
- Total Time: 45 Minutes to 1 Hour
- Yield: 8–10 Servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb. pasta (choice of Ziti, Penne, or Rigatoni)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 to 4 (32 oz) jars Rao’s Homemade Pasta Sauce
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- Olive oil (for pasta water and to coat cooked pasta)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add a splash of olive oil to the water to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and return it to the pot.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the drained pasta to coat it and keep it from sticking together. Set the pasta aside.
- In a large saucepan, pour in the Rao’s pasta sauce and heat it over medium heat. Add the cream cheese to the sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese has melted completely, creating a smooth pink sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the pink sauce, making sure every piece of pasta is well coated.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. For an extra cheesy top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Allow the baked ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
If you’d like to add meat to your baked ziti, Italian sausage is a great option. You can also serve it on the side. I recommend pairing your baked ziti with a good crusty sourdough bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal. If you choose not to add meat, grill some sausage rounds on the side for a crowd-pleasing option. Either way, your guests will be happy and well-fed!
Savory Savage is a reader-supported site, and we may earn commissions on any affiliate links used. Your support helps us continue creating great content and sharing delicious recipes with you!
- Prep Time: 15 Minutues
- Cook Time: 30-35 Minutues
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Leave a Reply