Print

Creamy Halloween Potluck Baked Ziti for a Crowd

creamy halloween potluck baked ziti for a crowd - featured image
Print Recipe

A forgiving, creamy baked ziti recipe designed for large gatherings. It stays moist under heat lamps, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers rich comfort food flavor that appeals to both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) Ziti or Penne Pasta
  • 15 ounces (425g) Whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 16 ounces (450g) Shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup (100g) Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (240ml) Heavy cream
  • 1 large Egg
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 24–26 ounces (680-740g) Marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
  • Salt and water for boiling pasta
  • Olive oil or non-stick spray for greasing dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Boil pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than package directions until very firm. Drain and toss with a little olive oil.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together ricotta, half of the mozzarella, parmesan, egg, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and toss gently to coat.
  5. In a separate bowl, mix marinara sauce with tomato paste.
  6. Spread half of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Add half of the pasta mixture, then the remaining sauce, and finally the rest of the pasta.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  9. Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Let ingredients come to room temperature for a smoother cheese mixture. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, adding 10-15 minutes to bake time. For a meat version, add browned Italian sausage or ground beef.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, potluck recipe, crowd pleaser, creamy pasta, Halloween dinner, easy casserole, comfort food

Find it online: https://lindabake.com/creamy-halloween-potluck-baked-ziti-for-a-crowd-5-easy-tips/