Try this delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe! Perfect for family dinners and special occasions, this easy-to-make pasta dish features layers of creamy cheese, savory sausage, and rich tomato sauce. Impress your guests with this comforting, flavorful baked ziti that’s sure to become a favorite. Get the full recipe and tips for achieving the perfect baked ziti every time.

Ingredients:
- 1 lb ziti
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated and divided
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, chopped into 1/4-inch cubes and divided
- Fresh basil, chopped, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Preparation:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the pasta and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the mixture begins to bubble. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the granulated sugar and chopped fresh basil. Set aside.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, cottage cheese, and sour cream, mixing until well combined. Stir in 1 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan and 1 cup of the chopped mozzarella.
- Combine and Assemble: Add 1 cup of the prepared red sauce and the drained pasta to the cheese mixture, stirring to combine. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining red sauce, followed by the remaining 1 cup of chopped mozzarella and 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan.
- Bake the Ziti: Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick spray and cover the casserole. Bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes. If you prefer a golden-brown top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the baked ziti sit for 10 minutes before serving. Top with chopped fresh basil and enjoy this rich, comforting dish!
Why Million Dollar Baked Ziti Will Be Your New Favorite
Rich and Creamy Texture
The combination of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream creates an incredibly creamy base that sets this baked ziti apart from the rest. Each bite is a perfect blend of rich cheese and savory sausage, making it an irresistible dish.
Savory and Flavorful Sauce
The homemade tomato sauce, enhanced with garlic, oregano, and basil, brings a robust flavor that complements the creamy cheese mixture. The addition of fresh basil and a touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded sauce.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or special occasions. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Layering for Success: Proper layering ensures each serving has a perfect mix of cheese and sauce.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the ziti to rest before serving helps the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve.
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