Description
Learn how to make the ultimate comfort food with our delicious Cheesy Oven-Baked Ziti Pasta recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) dried pasta like ziti, penne, or rigatoni
- 1 (28 oz (794 g)) can San Marzano whole tomatoes
- 1 cup (18g) fresh basil leaves or 3 tablespoons dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) fresh ground black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon (15 ml))
- 1/2 cup (113g) cream cheese or use whole milk ricotta (4 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups (128g) grated cheddar cheese (4 ½ ounces)
- 1 ½ cups (128g) grated Gouda cheese (4 ½ ounces)
- 3/4 cup (120g) finely grated vegan Parmesan cheese (2 ¼ ounces)
Instructions
- Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) and grease a large 3-quart baking dish with oil.
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for about half the time indicated on the package, around 5 to 6 minutes. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water, drain the pasta, and return it to the pot. This ensures the pasta doesn’t overcook when baked.
- As the pasta is boiling, prepare the sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the canned tomatoes with their juices, basil, garlic, salt, pepper, and cream cheese. Blend until the basil and garlic are finely chopped and everything is well mixed. Taste the sauce and add more salt if necessary. Put it aside.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the cheddar, Gouda, and vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the sauce, 1/4 cup of the saved pasta water, and three-quarters of the cheese mixture into the pot with the pasta. Stir until everything is combined. If the mixture looks too thick, add more pasta water.
- Move the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese mix over the top.
- Place in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Consider using whole milk ricotta for a richer sauce.
- Try smoked Gouda or aged cheddar for a unique flavor twist.
- Opt for fresh basil over dried for a vibrant taste.
