Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Lazy Cream Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato Ziti
If you love creamy pasta dinners but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Lazy Cream Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato Ziti is the perfect recipe to try. It combines tender ziti pasta, rich cream cheese, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella in one easy baking dish.
This simple pasta casserole is creamy, cheesy, and full of savory tomato flavor. With only four main ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato Ziti
- Only four ingredients: You don’t need a long shopping list to make a satisfying dinner.
- Easy oven preparation: Let the oven bring everything together.
- Rich and creamy: Cream cheese creates a smooth, delicious sauce.
- Perfect comfort food: Every serving is packed with pasta, cheese, and sun-dried tomato flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional pantry additions: Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. These are extras and are not included in the four main ingredients.
How to Make Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Lazy Cream Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato Ziti
Step 1: Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until just slightly under al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well and reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 3: Prepare the creamy mixture
Return the warm pasta to the pot. Add the cubed cream cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir gently until the cream cheese begins to soften and coat the pasta. Add a little reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Add the cheese
Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix until evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
Step 5: Assemble and bake
Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden around the edges.
Step 6: Rest and serve
Let the baked ziti rest for approximately 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy sauce to settle and makes serving easier.
Tips for the Best Creamy Baked Ziti
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking in the oven.
- Soften the cream cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese blends more easily with warm pasta.
- Drain the tomatoes: Excess oil can make the casserole greasy.
- Save pasta water: A little starchy water helps loosen the cream cheese and create a smoother sauce.
- Watch the cheese: Remove the casserole once the mozzarella is melted and lightly golden.
Easy Variations
Want to customize this easy baked pasta recipe? Try adding cooked chicken for extra protein, fresh spinach for color, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. You can also use Parmesan cheese as an additional topping.
These additions are optional and will change the original four-ingredient recipe.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover sun-dried tomato ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger portion in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F (165°C). Add a splash of milk or pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.
Final Thoughts
This Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Lazy Cream Cheese Sun-Dried Tomato Ziti is proof that a delicious homemade pasta dinner doesn’t need complicated ingredients. Tender ziti, creamy cheese, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella come together to create a comforting meal the whole family can enjoy. Serve it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for an easy dinner everyone will love!