Boursin Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

Boursin Baked Ziti is a creamy, flavorful twist on classic baked pasta. Combining herb-infused Boursin cheese with ricotta, fresh herbs, and melted mozzarella, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• Kosher salt
• 1 lb. ziti
• 4 (5.2-oz.) blocks herbed Boursin cheese
• 1 (15-oz.) container ricotta
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, finely chopped, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 375°F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 13″-by-9″ baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti until al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes less than package directions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, stir together the Boursin cheese, ricotta, heavy cream, Parmesan, basil, parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella. Season with salt if needed.
4. Step 4: Stir half of the ricotta mixture into the pasta until combined. Using a spoon, dollop the remaining ricotta mixture into the pot. Stir just once or twice to evenly distribute the dollops without fully breaking them up. Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake until the cheese is bubbling, about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and turn on the broiler. Broil, watching closely, until the top is golden brown, about 2 to 4 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped basil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
• Try swapping fresh parsley for fresh oregano or thyme for a different herbal note.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, fully stir in the ricotta mixture instead of dolloping it.
• Add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta for extra heartiness.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions but the texture is best when reheated in the oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or another tube-shaped pasta that holds sauce well.

Is it okay to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the ziti up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Boursin Baked Ziti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 70 reviews

This Boursin Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy pasta bake that combines herbed Boursin cheese, ricotta, heavy cream, and mozzarella for a rich and flavorful dish. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden brown, it’s an easy yet elegant casserole ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 lb. ziti
• Kosher salt, for boiling water

Cheese Mixture

• 4 (5.2-oz.) blocks herbed Boursin cheese
• 1 (15-oz.) container ricotta cheese
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, finely chopped, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella, divided

Other

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 375°F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti until al dente, which is about 2 to 3 minutes less than the package directions indicate. Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot.
3. Make Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the herbed Boursin cheese, ricotta, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, chopped parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir well to combine and season with salt if needed.
4. Combine Pasta and Cheese Mixture: Stir half of the ricotta mixture into the cooked pasta until evenly coated. Then, using a spoon, dollop the remaining ricotta mixture into the pot, stirring once or twice to evenly distribute the dollops without fully breaking them up. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella.
5. Bake and Broil: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling. Remove the foil and turn on the broiler. Broil the pasta, watching closely, until the top is golden brown, about 2 to 4 minutes. Garnish with additional chopped basil before serving.

Notes

• Be sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be slightly underdone before baking to prevent mushiness.
• Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add brightness and freshness to the rich cheese mixture.
• Keep an eye on the pasta while broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
• Substitute part-skim ricotta and reduced-fat cheeses to lighten the dish if desired.

Keywords: Boursin baked ziti, creamy baked pasta, cheesy ziti casserole, easy pasta bake, Italian comfort food