Million Dollar Baked Ziti

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich, comforting pasta dish layered with bold flavors and a creamy, cheesy center. A mixture of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream creates a smooth, indulgent filling that keeps the pasta tender as it bakes. Cubes of mozzarella melt into gooey pockets throughout, while slightly undercooked ziti finishes in the oven, soaking up the savory sausage and tomato sauce.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Ingredients for the Sauce & Pasta:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb mild Italian sausage
• 1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp granulated sugar

Ingredients for the “Million Dollar” Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 16 oz cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, cubed (divided)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil.

Tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta allows it to absorb the sauce in the oven without becoming too soft.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Add the garlic, oregano, and dried basil, and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, then let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Add the sugar and fresh basil at the end.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, cottage cheese, sour cream, 1 cup of Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella cubes. Mix until everything is well combined.

Tip: The eggs help bind the mixture together, giving the finished dish a firm, sliceable texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with 1 cup of the sauce, then fold it into the cheese mixture. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the remaining sauce over the top and finish with the rest of the Parmesan and mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake
Cover with lightly greased foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Look for: melted cheese with golden spots and bubbling edges.

Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so it can set properly. Enjoy a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal that truly lives up to its “million dollar” name.