Pin This weeknight baked ziti with burst cherry tomatoes transforms humble pasta into a comforting meal that tastes like it simmered all day. The secret lies in those juicy cherry tomatoes that create a naturally sweet sauce as they burst in the pan, eliminating the need for jarred sauce. I've perfected this recipe through countless busy evenings when I needed something satisfying but didn't have hours to spend in the kitchen.
The first time I made this recipe, I had unexpected dinner guests and needed something impressive fast. The way their eyes lit up when I pulled this bubbling, cheesy dish from the oven told me this would become my go to entertaining recipe. Now it appears on our table at least twice a month.
Ingredients
- Ziti pasta : forms the backbone of this dish and holds up beautifully to baking without becoming mushy
- Cherry tomatoes : create a fresh burst of flavor as they cook down into a natural sauce
- Ricotta cheese : adds creaminess and richness that makes this dish feel indulgent
- Mozzarella cheese : creates that irresistible stretchy cheese pull when serving
- Parmesan cheese : brings a sharp savory note that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes
- Fresh basil : brightens the entire dish with its aromatic qualities
- Tomato paste : concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce
- Dried oregano : infuses the sauce with classic Italian flavor that complements the basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook your ziti just shy of al dente, typically about 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This undercooking is crucial because the pasta will continue to soften in the oven. Test a piece by biting through it you should feel a firm center but not raw starchiness. Immediately drain the pasta but do not rinse it the starch helps the sauce adhere better.
- Create the Tomato Burst Sauce:
- Begin by heating your olive oil until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 60 seconds, being careful not to let it brown or it will become bitter. Add your halved cherry tomatoes to the hot pan they should sizzle upon contact. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes before stirring, which helps them begin to caramelize. After adding the seasonings, gently press some tomatoes with the back of your spoon to encourage them to release their juices. The sauce is ready when about 75% of the tomatoes have burst and the liquid has slightly thickened.
- Combine and Layer:
- When mixing the pasta with sauce and ricotta, fold gently rather than stirring vigorously to maintain the pasta's structure. The ricotta should create streaks throughout rather than completely incorporating. When layering in your baking dish, press down slightly on the first layer before adding cheese this creates a more cohesive final dish without air pockets.
- Achieve the Perfect Bake:
- Position your baking dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven. The cheese should be bubbling across the entire surface and show golden brown spots before you remove it. If the top is browning too quickly but the dish isn't heated through, cover loosely with foil for the remaining bake time. The crucial 5minute rest period after baking allows the cheese to set slightly and makes serving neater.
Pin The burst cherry tomato technique is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I had too many cherry tomatoes about to go bad in my refrigerator. The way they collapse and create their own sauce with minimal effort changed my approach to quick pasta dishes forever. My daughter now requests this sauce specifically, calling it tomato candy pasta because of how the tomatoes caramelize and sweeten.
Make Ahead and Storage
This baked ziti shines as a make ahead meal. You can prepare it completely up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to take the chill off, then bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time. Leftovers stay delicious for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results when reheating, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over the pasta before microwaving covered, which helps restore moisture to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
No need to worry if you lack exact ingredients. Penne or rigatoni work perfectly in place of ziti the key is choosing a tube shaped pasta that can catch sauce in its hollow center. Cottage cheese can substitute for ricotta in a pinch just drain it first for a similar texture. Roma tomatoes chopped into chunks can replace cherry tomatoes, though they take a bit longer to break down. For a dairy free version, use cashew ricotta and your favorite plant based mozzarella alternative though the melt won't be identical, the flavor profile remains satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Transform this weeknight dish into a complete Italian feast with thoughtful accompaniments. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides a peppery contrast to the rich pasta. Garlic bread or focaccia makes the perfect vehicle for sopping up extra sauce. For a lighter approach, serve smaller portions alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. This dish pairs wonderfully with medium bodied red wines like Chianti or Montepulciano, or for non alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice and fresh lemon.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer version Use multicolored heirloom cherry tomatoes and double the fresh basil
Fall variation Add roasted butternut squash cubes and sage to the cheese layer
Winter comfort Incorporate caramelized onions and a pinch of nutmeg into the ricotta
Pin This baked ziti is a crowd pleaser that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful pasta dish!
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute another pasta for ziti?
Yes, penne or rigatoni both work well. Choose a sturdy pasta to hold the sauce and cheese for best results.
- → What can I add for extra protein?
For added heartiness, stir in cooked Italian sausage or some sautéed mushrooms before baking.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions, to finish perfectly in the oven.
- → Can this be made ahead of time?
Assemble the dish in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if cold.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this meal is vegetarian. Double-check the cheese and pasta labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
- → What side dishes go well with this?
A crisp green salad and rustic bread are classic choices to complement the cheesy baked pasta.