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Crispy Cheese-Stuffed Baked Ziti Recipe with Spicy Chipotle Lime Crema

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A quick and easy baked ziti recipe featuring crispy cheese-stuffed pasta tubes and a smoky, tangy chipotle lime crema. Perfect for family dinners and potlucks with a bold, comforting flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) dried ziti or penne, cooked al dente
  • 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • About 20 small bocconcini or ciliegine mozzarella balls
  • 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped
  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of ziti and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Stuff each mozzarella ball into the center of a ziti tube using a small spoon or your fingers.
  4. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Pour in 3 cups marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let it simmer lightly for 5 minutes. Stir in chopped fresh basil at the end.
  6. In a bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Gently toss the cooked, stuffed ziti tubes with the marinara sauce and half of the cheese mixture, being careful not to squish the stuffed cheese.
  8. Spread half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the remaining cheese mixture over the top, then add the rest of the pasta evenly. Sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella on top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  10. While baking, whisk together sour cream, chopped chipotle peppers, fresh lime juice, honey, and salt to taste to make the chipotle lime crema.
  11. Let the baked ziti cool for 5 minutes. Drizzle generously with the chipotle lime crema before serving.

Notes

[‘Do not overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold the cheese stuffing.’, ‘Stuff the tubes gently; trim mozzarella balls if too large.’, ‘Keep marinara sauce simmering gently to avoid bitterness.’, ‘Layer cheese mixture evenly to avoid dryness.’, ‘Remove casserole as soon as top is golden and bubbly to prevent drying.’, ‘Prepare chipotle lime crema while ziti bakes for freshness.’, ‘For extra crispness, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully.’, ‘Gluten-free pasta can be used; adjust cook times accordingly.’, ‘Dairy-free cheese alternatives and cashew cream can substitute for vegan versions.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, cheese-stuffed pasta, chipotle lime crema, comfort food, easy dinner, potluck recipe, spicy crema, mozzarella, ricotta

Find it online: https://avabake.com/crispy-cheese-stuffed-baked-ziti-recipe-with-spicy-chipotle-lime-crema-easy-and-delicious/