Ingredients
Scale
1 lb ziti pasta”,
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Ziti Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 1 lb of ziti pasta and cook until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Avoid overcooking, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
- Pour in 2 cups of tomato sauce and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
- Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta.
- Spread half of the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Repeat the layers: sauce, pasta, and the remaining cheese mixture.
- Finish with a final layer of tomato sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Ziti:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup