Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most irresistible pasta dish that combines the rich, creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce with the classic tang of marinara. This Tomato Alfredo Baked Ziti is not just a meal - it's a culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! Imagine layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta smothered in a velvety sauce, topped with a golden, bubbling cheese crust that's guaranteed to make your mouth water.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your baked ziti cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Alfredo sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and return it to the pot. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the ziti and stir until all the pasta is well coated.
- Add 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese to the pasta mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix well until the cheeses are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the ziti mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and the flavors to blend.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious Tomato Alfredo Baked Ziti!
Tips
- Always cook your pasta al dente - it will continue cooking in the oven, so you want to ensure it doesn't become mushy.
- Use freshly grated cheese when possible. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melting quality.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some crispy pancetta or cooked Italian sausage to the pasta mixture before baking.
- Don't skip the foil-covered baking step - this helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents the top from burning.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving much easier.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a mix of milk and cream.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations - try adding some ricotta or provolone for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 85mg
