Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Indulge in the rich and creamy delight of Million Dollar Baked Ziti, a dish that elevates the classic pasta bake to opulent new heights. The “million dollar” secret lies in its luxurious blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream, intertwined with a hearty meat sauce and tender ziti. This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that promises to steal the show at any dinner table.
What sets this version apart is the homemade, quick meaty tomato sauce, enhanced with fresh herbs and Italian sausage, providing a robust foundation that far surpasses any jarred marinara. It’s the perfect comfort food that combines ease with a touch of gourmet, making it as enjoyable to prepare as it is to savor.
Preparation Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (28 oz) can of tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for serving
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, chopped into 1/4-inch cubes, divided
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti until it is al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and lightly drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar and chopped fresh basil.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, cottage cheese, and sour cream, mixing until well combined. Stir in 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Fold in 1 cup of the prepared red sauce and the cooked pasta, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining red sauce, followed by the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Cover with a sheet of aluminum foil sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue to bake for another 25 minutes. For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, broil for 1-2 minutes.
- Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped basil.