Creamy Baked Ziti Recipe

Name: Creamy Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 cups mozzarella cheese; 16 ounces ziti pasta; Marinara Sauce; 28 ounces crushed tomatoes; 6 ounces tomato paste; 8 ounces tomato sauce; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 3/4 cup red wine; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Besciamella Sauce; 6 1/2 tablespoons butter; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups whole milk; 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Servings: persons

6 cups mozzarella cheese
16 ounces ziti pasta
Marinara Sauce
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
6 ounces tomato paste
8 ounces tomato sauce
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons italian seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3/4 cup red wine
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Besciamella Sauce
6 1/2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1
Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2
Place olive oil and red wine in sauce pan on medium heat.
3
Stir in tomato paste first.
4
Add rest of ingredients.
5
Simmer for 20 minutes.
6
Meanwhile, heat milk in a saucepan until it is steaming. Do not boil.
7
While milk is heating, melt butter in a seperate saucepan.
8
Whisk flour into melted butter. Let cook on medium for about 5 minutes. Keep whisking.
9
Once milk is steaming, whisk into butter and flour mixture a cup at a time. It will become thicker as you whisk.
10
After all milk is added, bring to a boil for 30 seconds constantly stirring.
11
Remove from heat.
12
Stir in salt and nutmeg.
13
Place half of the cooked ziti noodles on bottom of large casserole dish.
14
Spoon on half of the marinara sauce.
15
Spoon on half of the besciamella sauce.
16
Top with half of mozerella cheese.
17
Repeat.
18
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes. Your cheese should brown and bubble.

1479

kcal

Calories

Fat

135

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 6 cups mozzarella cheese, 16 ounces ziti pasta, Marinara Sauce, 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, and more.

Yes, Creamy Baked Ziti falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Creamy Baked Ziti

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions