Sweetie Ziti

Indulge in the comforting, cheesy goodness of Sweetie Ziti, a heartwarming baked pasta dish with a unique twist of sweetness. This recipe unites tender ziti pasta, a creamy marinara sauce infused with honey for a subtle hint of sweetness, and layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for an irresistibly gooey finish. Minced garlic sautéed in olive oil adds depth of flavor, while Italian seasoning and fresh basil lend the perfect touch of herbaceousness. The smooth addition of heavy cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing casserole at gatherings, Sweetie Ziti is easy to prepare in just under an hour and serves six hearty portions. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a fresh spin on baked pasta classics, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2

Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, honey, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and sautéed garlic. Mix well to combine.

Step 5

In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.

Step 6

Add the cooked ziti to the sauced marinara mixture. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 7

In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sauced ziti. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta layer.

Step 8

Top the ricotta with the remaining ziti mixture, spreading it evenly in the dish.

Step 9

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 10

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2138.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4199.5

Total Fat 199.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 98.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 637.5mg	0%
Sodium 5880.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 438.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.9g	0%
Total Sugars 70.3g
Protein 182.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 4248.2mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 726.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.9%

Protein: 17.1%

Carbs: 41.0%