Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor – this indulgent pasta bake tastes like a million bucks!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta (or penne/rigatoni)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 oz) tub whole-milk ricotta cheese
- 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan, divided
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions:
1. Cook Pasta & Meat
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta al dente; drain.
- Brown sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet. Drain fat; stir in marinara.
2. Make Cheese Mixture
Mix ricotta, cream cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, 1 cup mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan.
3. Layer & Bake
- In a 9×13-inch dish, spread ½ cup meat sauce.
- Layer: Half pasta → All cheese mix → Half meat sauce → Remaining pasta → Remaining sauce.
- Top with remaining cheeses.
4. Bake
Cover with foil; bake 25 mins. Uncover; bake 10-15 mins until bubbly and golden.
5. Rest & Serve
Let stand 10 mins before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Tips:
🧀 Extra creamy? Add ½ cup heavy cream to the cheese mix.
🔥 Crispy top? Broil 2-3 mins at the end.
⏳ Make ahead: Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Pure comfort food magic! ✨
Freezer option: Bake, cool completely, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.