Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent twist on the classic baked ziti. It’s loaded with a rich mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, plus a savory marinara sauce and ziti pasta. It’s called “Million Dollar” because of the richness and flavor, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Here’s a delicious recipe for Million Dollar Baked Ziti:
Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade sauce if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ziti Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Add the heavy cream, oregano, and basil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the prepared sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Add the cheese mixture to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a large, greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Ziti:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
6. Serve:
- Let the baked ziti sit for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Make it ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and refrigerated overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat, adding a little extra time to the cooking process.
- Meat option: If you want to add some meat, browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or even chicken would be a great addition to the sauce.
- Extra creamy: For an even richer, creamier texture, you can mix in some cream cheese or mozzarella di bufala.
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is sure to impress with its creamy, cheesy layers and bold flavors. Enjoy!