Million Dollar Baked Ziti

13 2 minutes read

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich, indulgent pasta bake layered with bold flavors and a creamy, cheesy center. A blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream creates a smooth, luscious filling that keeps the pasta moist as it bakes. Cubed mozzarella melts into gooey pockets throughout the dish, while slightly undercooked ziti finishes cooking in the oven, soaking up the savory sausage and tomato sauce.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Ingredients for the Sauce & Pasta:

1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb mild Italian sausage
1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp granulated sugar

Ingredients for the “Million Dollar” Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
16 oz cottage cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, cubed (divided)

Directions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti for about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil.

Tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta helps it absorb sauce while baking, preventing it from becoming too soft.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Add the garlic, oregano, and dried basil, cooking briefly until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, then add sugar and fresh basil.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, cottage cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella cubes. Mix until well combined.

Tip: The eggs help bind the cheeses together as the dish bakes, giving it a firm, sliceable texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with 1 cup of the prepared sauce and fold it into the cheese mixture. Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the remaining sauce over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with lightly greased foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Look for: Melted cheese with golden spots on top and bubbling edges.

Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set. Enjoy a hearty, creamy, and satisfying meal that lives up to its “million dollar” name.

13 2 minutes read