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Baked Ziti without Ricotta Recipe

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4.4 from 13 reviews

A comforting and creamy baked ziti recipe that skips the traditional ricotta in favor of a luscious cream cheese and marinara sauce blend. This dish layers tender ziti pasta with melted mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil, baked to bubbly, golden perfection. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers rich flavors with a smooth, cheesy texture.

Ingredients

Paste and Sauce

  • 1 pound dry ziti pasta (1 box)
  • 32 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (1 brick)

Cheeses and Herbs

  • 16 ounces freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray an 11x9-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare for baking.
  2. Boil Pasta: In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook the dry ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, without adding salt. Drain and set aside.
  3. Cook Sauce Mixture: Using the same saucepan, place it over medium heat and combine the marinara sauce with the cream cheese. Stir frequently until the cream cheese fully melts and incorporates into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
  4. Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained ziti to the creamy marinara sauce in the saucepan and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  5. Layer Ingredients: Pour half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheeses over the pasta. Then, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the chopped fresh basil atop the cheese layer.
  6. Top the Casserole: Add the remaining pasta and sauce mixture over the cheese layer. Follow with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses spread evenly on top.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
  8. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese topping turns golden brown and slightly crispy.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the remaining chopped fresh basil on top for a fresh, aromatic finish. Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Do not add salt to the pasta boiling water as the sauce and cheeses provide sufficient saltiness.
  • If desired, you can substitute fresh basil with dried basil; use about 1 teaspoon for the entire recipe.
  • For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce before layering.
  • Allow the baked ziti to rest before serving to let it set for easier slicing and serving.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/baked-ziti-without-ricotta-recipe/