Elevate Your Pasta Game with a Rich and Creamy Twist
When it comes to pasta, sometimes a simple marinara sauce just won’t cut it. That’s where a rich and creamy tomato cream sauce comes in – a perfect upgrade for any occasion, especially when entertaining vegetarians.
The Perfect Baked Ziti Recipe
Looking for inspiration for your next baked ziti dish? Look no further! Our recipe combines the comfort of ziti pasta with the indulgence of a creamy tomato sauce, topped with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
* Servings and Cooking Time*
Yield: 8-12 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total cooking time: About 1 hour
Active cooking time: 30 minutes
Gather Your Ingredients
- 12 oz dried ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano, crumbled
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 (28-oz) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
Let’s Get Cooking!
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Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish and set it aside. -
Cook Your Pasta
Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. -
Make the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until softened, about 5-8 minutes. Add the kosher salt, black pepper, dried herbs, sugar, and crushed tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and unsalted butter. -
Combine and Transfer
Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. -
Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the pasta mixture is hot and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Serve hot and enjoy!
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