Sweetie Ziti
Indulge in the comforting, cheesy goodness of Sweetie Ziti, a heartwarming baked pasta dish with a unique twist of sweetness. This recipe unites tender ziti pasta, a creamy marinara sauce infused with honey for a subtle hint of sweetness, and layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for an irresistibly gooey finish. Minced garlic sautéed in olive oil adds depth of flavor, while Italian seasoning and fresh basil lend the perfect touch of herbaceousness. The smooth addition of heavy cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing casserole at gatherings, Sweetie Ziti is easy to prepare in just under an hour and serves six hearty portions. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a fresh spin on baked pasta classics, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray.
Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and sautéed garlic. Mix well to combine.
In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.
Add the cooked ziti to the sauced marinara mixture. Toss until evenly coated.
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sauced ziti. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
Top the ricotta with the remaining ziti mixture, spreading it evenly in the dish.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil if desired before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4200 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 199.3 g | 256% | |
| Saturated Fat | 98.7 g | 494% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 638 mg | 212% | |
| Sodium | 5880 mg | 256% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 438.9 g | 160% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.9 g | 110% | |
| Total Sugars | 70.3 g | ||
| Protein | 182.9 g | 366% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 4248 mg | 327% | |
| Iron | 21.8 mg | 121% | |
| Potassium | 727 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
