Three Cheese Baked Ziti

Three Cheese Baked Ziti

Three Cheese Baked Ziti that is bubbly and browned, extra creamy, extra saucy, and incredibly easy with NO RICOTTA! A baked pasta masterpiece.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 ounce pancetta

    finely chopped, optional

  • 1 large onion

    finely chopped

  • 4 garlic cloves

    minced

  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 28–oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 14–oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    more to taste
  • 1 pound ziti
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
  • 1 clove garlic

    grated

  • pinch of salt
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese

    shredded

  • 8 ounces provolone cheese

    shredded

Directions

  1. 1

    Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium high heat. Add pancetta and sauté until slightly crisped, about 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic; turn heat down and sauté for 5 minutes. Add red pepper flakes and tomato paste; sauté for 2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, and salt. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Ziti: Cook ziti according to package directions. Toss with about two thirds of the pasta sauce. Reserve remaining 2-or-so cups of sauce.

  3. 3

    Mascarpone: Mix mascarpone with grated garlic and a pinch of salt.

  4. 4

    Layering: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Transfer half of the pasta to a 9×13 baking dish. Spoon the mascarpone over the top in little blobs. Cover with half of the mozzarella and half of the provolone. Cover with about a cup of sauce. Transfer the rest of the saucy ziti on top of your cheese layer. Finish with remaining mozzarella, provolone, and spoon the remaining sauce around on top for prettiness.

  5. 5

    Bake: Bake for 20 minutes until warm, delicious, molten-cheesy, and bubbly. Top with some parmesan, fresh basil, or freshly cracked black pepper to be a baked ziti superstar.

Three Cheese Baked Ziti

Three Cheese Baked Ziti

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About this Recipe

Craving the ultimate baked ziti that's wonderfully bubbly, beautifully browned, and incredibly creamy without any ricotta? This Three Cheese Baked Ziti delivers an extra rich and saucy experience that will become a new family favorite.

The genius of this recipe lies in its inspired combination of cheeses. Rich mascarpone creates an unparalleled velvety texture, while fresh mozzarella offers that classic stringy pull, and sharp provolone adds a deep, savory foundation. The optional pancetta introduces a layer of irresistible umami, elevating the entire dish beyond a simple weeknight meal.

Prepare to indulge in tender ziti pasta enveloped in a robust, flavorful tomato sauce, brightened with tomato paste and a subtle kick from crushed red pepper flakes. Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of tangy sauce and luscious, melted cheese, with a delightfully crisp top layer. This dish is designed to be deeply comforting and satisfying, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a special gathering.

Customization & Serving Suggestions

While the finely chopped pancetta adds a wonderful savory depth, you can easily omit it for a delicious vegetarian version of this baked ziti. For those who enjoy a little more warmth, feel free to adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your palate.

This Three Cheese Baked Ziti is a heartwarming centerpiece perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for comforting Italian-inspired fare. Serve it alongside a simple green salad and some crusty bread to sop up every last bit of the rich sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions