White Baked Ziti Recipe

 White Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic red-sauce pasta bake. Instead of tomato sauce, this comforting dish features a luscious white sauce made with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan that coats every piece of tender pasta. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it the perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy weeknights.

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

1 pound ziti or penne pasta

Salt, for pasta water

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2½ cups milk (whole milk preferred)

1 cup heavy cream

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)

For the Cheese Mixture:

1½ cups ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until just al dente, about 8–9 minutes. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the White Sauce:
   
   In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until smooth. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat.

3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   
   In a bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the Ziti:
   
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, white sauce, and cheese mixture. Stir gently to coat evenly.

5. Bake:
   
   Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

6. Serve:
   
   Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Tips:

• Add cooked chicken, bacon, or spinach to the pasta before baking for more flavor and texture.

• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and part-skim ricotta.

• Leftovers reheat beautifully—just cover with foil and warm in the oven.

Nutrition (per serving):

Calories: 580

Protein: 27g

Carbohydrates: 49g

Fat: 28g

Fiber: 2g

Sodium: 620mg