If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines the comforting heartiness of baked ziti with the sweet, velvety goodness of butternut squash, you’ve just found your new favorite. This Butternut Baked Ziti Recipe perfectly balances creamy cheeses, rich roasted squash, and tender pasta, creating a dish that feels like an autumn hug on a plate. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a special spot in your kitchen rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Texture: The roasted butternut squash pureed with cheeses creates a luxuriously smooth sauce that’s both comforting and unique.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Sweetness from the squash meets the savoriness of roasted tomatoes and garlic for a delightful harmony.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: With pantry staples and fresh veggies, this dish comes together easily but tastes like something special.
- Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: It’s perfect for feeding a group while keeping everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this Butternut Baked Ziti Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a starring role—whether adding creaminess, sweetness, or that irresistible baked crust. From the tender roasted squash to the melty mozzarella, here’s what you’ll want on hand.
- Butternut squash: Roasting it brings out its natural sweetness and provides the creamy base for the sauce.
- Olive oil: Used to roast the squash and lightly coat the pasta, it adds subtle richness and prevents sticking.
- Ziti pasta: Its tube shape is perfect for capturing sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes: Adds a smoky, tangy depth that complements the squash beautifully.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that punch of aromatic warmth that every great Italian dish needs.
- Milk: Helps adjust the sauce’s creaminess and gives it a silky texture—feel free to use your favorite kind.
- Mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheeses: The trio that melts and melds together to create the ultimate cheesy satisfaction.
- Seasoned fine and panko breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, golden topping that adds the finishing touch.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
The beauty of this Butternut Baked Ziti Recipe is how flexible it is! Whether you want to tweak it for dietary needs or just want to give it a personal twist, you’ll find plenty of room for creativity here.
- Make it vegan: Swap the dairy cheeses for plant-based alternatives and use unsweetened plant milk instead of regular milk.
- Add protein: Toss in cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even chickpeas for an extra boost that turns it into a full meal.
- Spice it up: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh basil for an aromatic kick.
- Change the pasta: Feel free to substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta for your preferred texture.
How to Make Butternut Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Toss those beautiful cubed butternut squash pieces with olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 to 25 minutes until they’re tender and caramelized at the edges—that caramelization is what delivers so much flavor!
Step 2: Cook Pasta and Prep Baking Dish
While your squash is roasting, cook your ziti pasta according to the package instructions. When it’s done, rinse it under cool water to stop the cooking process and spray it with a little olive oil to keep those noodles from sticking. Lower the oven’s heat to 375°F and give your baking dish a good spray of nonstick, so nothing sticks during baking.
Step 3: Blend the Sauce
Combine the roasted squash, fire-roasted tomatoes, and minced garlic in a blender or food processor. Puree until it’s smooth and creamy—like a luscious, velvety blanket of flavor. Pour this blend into a large saucepan or skillet, add your milk, and warm it gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep it silky.
Step 4: Melt the Cheese into the Sauce
Stir in most of your mozzarella and parmesan cheese in handfuls, letting each portion melt fully before adding more. This slow incorporation creates a wonderfully creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every noodle. Taste and season with a bit more salt and pepper if needed—remember, seasoning is key!
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Add Ricotta, and Bake
Toss your cooked ziti into the cheese and squash sauce until coated beautifully. Transfer this cheesy pasta mix into your prepared baking dish. Then dollop spoonfuls of ricotta scattered throughout the ziti to add pockets of creamy delight. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and top with both types of breadcrumbs for that unbeatable crispy crust. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Get ready for a crowd-pleaser!
Pro Tips for Making Butternut Baked Ziti Recipe
- Roast Squash Evenly: Cut the squash into evenly sized cubes to ensure uniform roasting and caramelization.
- Prevent Pasta Stickiness: Toss cooked pasta with a little olive oil after rinsing to keep it from clumping before baking.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese slowly to keep the sauce smooth and avoid clumping or separation.
- Watch the Breadcrumb Topping: Use a mix of fine and panko crumbs for both crunch and golden color, but keep an eye while baking to avoid burning.
How to Serve Butternut Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this already incredible dish, try garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley for a bright pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds a luscious finish, while a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This Butternut Baked Ziti pairs exceptionally well with crisp, green salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread make perfect companions too, adding contrasting textures and complementing the dish’s hearty nature.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more intimate gathering, serve this baked ziti straight from mini ramekins or individual cast-iron skillets. You can sprinkle some toasted nuts, like pine nuts or walnuts, on top for a surprising nutty crunch. If you’re feeling festive, layer a bit of caramelized onions between the pasta for bursts of sweet flavor throughout each serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover Butternut Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or effortless dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Portion the baked ziti into freezer-safe containers or wraps and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing to preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F until bubbly and heated through. Cover with foil to keep it moist and remove the cover in the last few minutes for that irresistible golden top.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of squash in this recipe?
Absolutely! While butternut squash is preferred for its sweetness and smooth texture, kabocha or acorn squash can also work well, offering slight variations in flavor and creaminess. Just adjust roasting times as needed.
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Is it necessary to peel the butternut squash before roasting?
Peeling is recommended because the skin tends to stay tough even after roasting and doesn’t blend smoothly into the sauce. Taking the time to peel ensures the sauce’s texture stays silky without any unwanted bits.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can roast the squash and make the cheesy sauce a day ahead. When ready, just cook and toss the pasta, assemble the dish, and bake. This makes dinner prep super efficient for busy days or entertaining.
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How do I get a crispy topping on my baked ziti?
The combination of seasoned fine breadcrumbs and panko creates that fantastic crunch. Be sure to evenly sprinkle them on top and bake uncovered during the last 10 minutes to get a golden, crispy crust without burning.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Baked Ziti Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want to impress without stress. It’s comforting, cheesy, and just a little bit special — perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!
PrintButternut Baked Ziti Recipe
This Butternut Baked Ziti is a creamy, comforting pasta dish that combines roasted butternut squash with fire-roasted tomatoes, blended into a rich sauce and layered with mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta cheeses. Baked to a bubbly golden perfection with a crisp breadcrumb topping, it’s a perfect hearty meal to warm up any dinner table.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Roasted Butternut Squash
- 4 cups cubed butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta, cooked
- 1 (14 ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 cup milk (any kind preferred)
Cheeses and Toppings
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 4 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 (8 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup seasoned fine breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
- Cook the Pasta: While the squash roasts, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and run under cool water to stop cooking. Toss with a light spray of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Lower oven temperature to 375°F and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Place roasted butternut squash, fire-roasted tomatoes, and minced garlic in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth and creamy.
- Heat the Puree: Transfer the blended sauce to a large saucepan or skillet. Stir in the ¾ cup of milk and heat over medium-low, stirring frequently to combine.
- Melt the Cheese into the Sauce: Gradually stir in about three-quarters of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese mixture, adding in small handfuls and stirring until fully melted before adding more. Season the sauce with an additional ¼ teaspoon salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked ziti to the sauce, stirring well to coat all the pasta evenly with the cheesy butternut sauce.
- Assemble the Baking Dish: Transfer the sauced ziti into the prepared baking dish. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese intermittently throughout the pasta, folding spoonfuls in between layers to distribute evenly.
- Add Final Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top of the ziti, followed by a mixture of seasoned fine breadcrumbs and panko breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes at 375°F until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Butternut Baked Ziti!
Notes
- Running cooked pasta under cold water prevents it from overcooking and sticking together.
- You can substitute any kind of milk you prefer, including dairy-free alternatives.
- Adjust seasoning in the sauce to taste; sometimes additional salt and pepper are needed after blending the ingredients.
- For a crispier topping, lightly toast the breadcrumb mixture before sprinkling on top.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking from cold.
