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April 29, 2025

14 Ingredients
EASY

For when you can't decide between fettuccine alfredo or mac and cheese, this baked pasta is the best of both! The recipe is a Yummly original created by Sara Mellas.

Baked Ziti Alfredo
Baked Ziti Alfredo cover
From the Cook
1/2

Baked Ziti Alfredo

Ingredients

Servings
Milk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

1
|
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2
|
Spray a 9x13-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3
|
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. Once boiling, add the ziti to the water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente, 9-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a large colander, and rinse thoroughly with cold water. While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce.
4
|
In a large sauce pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour and whisk to form a paste. Continue whisking until the paste thickens, turns slightly golden, and begins to smell toasty, 1-2 minutes.
5
|
Slowly stream the milk into the pot and continue to whisk. Pour in the heavy cream. Cook the mixture, whisking steadily, until it begins to thicken and bubble, 4-5 minutes.
6
|
Once bubbling, turn off the heat. Add the cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the pot. Whisk slowly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
7
|
Return the drained ziti to the pot. Add the sauce and stir with a rubber spatula until it is thoroughly coated.
8
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Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the additional mozzarella cheese in an even layer over the top.
9
|
Bake the ziti on middle rack of oven until edges are bubbling and cheese is slightly golden on top, 25-28 minutes.
10
|
Check to see that ziti is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
11
|
Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Cheese Melting Mastery 🧀
    Grate your own mozzarella and Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-shredded varieties for superior melting and richer flavor.
  • Cream Sauce Perfection 🥄
    Whisk the Alfredo sauce continuously and remove from heat just as it starts to thicken to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, silky texture.
  • Pasta Pre-Cook Technique 🍝
    Undercook the ziti by 2 minutes when boiling, as it will continue to cook in the sauce and prevent mushy pasta in the final baked dish.
  • Seasoning Layer Strategy 🧂
    Season each layer of the baked ziti - in the pasta, sauce, and between cheese layers - to build depth of flavor throughout the dish.
  • Crispy Top Secret 🔥
    Finish the baked ziti under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to create a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds incredible texture.

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