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There’s something truly magical about a dish that combines the heartiness of pasta with the creamy decadence of cheese. Our Million Dollar Baked Ziti takes this classic comfort food to a whole new level. Imagine layers of tender ziti, a robust meat sauce, and a luscious, creamy cheese mixture that melts in your mouth. It’s a dish that feels as indulgent as its name suggests, yet it’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Our Million Dollar Baked Ziti is not just another pasta bake. The secret lies in the creamy layer made with cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream, which adds a luxurious texture and richness that transforms the dish. It’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a guaranteed hit at any dinner table.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking sauce
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated and divided
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, chopped into 1/4-inch cubes and divided
- Fresh basil, chopped, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain the fat if needed.
Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the mixture bubbles. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sugar and fresh basil. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, cottage cheese, and sour cream, and mix until well combined. Stir in 1 cup of the Parmesan and 1 cup of the mozzarella.
Add 1 cup of the red sauce and the drained pasta to the cottage cheese mixture and stir to combine. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Top with the remaining red sauce, followed by the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick spray and cover the casserole. Bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for 25 minutes more. If desired, broil for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the cheese further.
Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Top with chopped basil and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
- Cook the pasta slightly less than al dente as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
Additional Tips or Variations
- For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage.
- Try mixing in some sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- If you prefer, substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Calories: 650 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 55g | Fat: 35g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze this dish?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I serve this with?
A simple green salad and garlic bread pair beautifully with this rich dish.
Conclusion
Our Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Its creamy layers and savory flavors are bound to make it a favorite in your household. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experience with us. Bon appétit!
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