An EASY baked ziti recipe that can be assembled up to two days in advance and bake it off when you’re ready! Al dente ziti pasta is coated in a creamy three cheese sauce and then baked until golden brown and bubbling. Serve with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a full meal!
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time55 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr10 minutesmins
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: baked ziti
Servings: 6
Calories: 401kcal
Author: Averie Sunshine
Ingredients
12ouncesziticooked according to package directions
14.5ouncescanned diced tomatoes(I used no-salt-added garlic and oregano-infused tomatoes)
2tablespoonsolive oil
1cupsweet Vidalia or yellow onionpeeled and diced small (about 1 medium onion)
1tablespoonfresh Italian flat-left parsley or fresh basilfinely minced for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, transfer to a large bowl, add the tomatoes, and stir to combine.
Transfer pasta and tomatoes to a 3-quart baking dish sprayed with cooking spray (a 9×13-inch baking pan may be substituted); set aside.
To a large saucepan, add the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat to warm.
Add the onion and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until soft and lightly golden brown. Stir intermittently.
Add the garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir intermittently.
Add the vegetable stock, Cashewmilk, flour, pepper, and bring mixture to a rapid boil while whisking nearly constantly, or until no flour lumps remain. Allow mixture to boil rapidly for about 5 minutes and sauce has reduced and thickened some.
Slowly add the cheeses, whisking constantly to incorporate. After cheeses have melted, pour cheese sauce over pasta in prepared dish. Cover with foil and at this point you can refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking or bake now.
When you’re ready to bake, preheat oven to 375F, and bake covered (keep the foil on) for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until cheese is as lightly golden browned and bubbly as desired. Prior to serving, optionally garnish with parsley or basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Extra ziti will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months. Reheat leftovers gently as necessary.