Recipe: Creamy Ricotta Corn and Tomato Baked Ziti

updated May 28, 2019
summer
Post Image
Credit: Joe Lingeman
With a blender ricotta sauce, tomatoes, and corn, this is the freshest casserole you'll taste all summer.

Serves6 to 8

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Post Image
(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Are you ready for the freshest casserole you’ll eat this summer? While a traditional baked ziti will always have a place in our hearts, especially in the winter months, summer is a time to celebrate the bounty of produce at our fingertips. This casserole combines sweet corn kernels, diced tomatoes, and a no-cook ricotta cheese sauce in one easy pasta bake. With a sprinkle of fresh basil on top, it’s a casserole you can enjoy on the patio with a glass of cold, crisp wine.

(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

There’s no need to make a white sauce on the stove first or buy a jar of heavy Alfredo sauce — a mix of ricotta cheese, milk, garlic, and Parmesan cheese takes just a minute to come together in the blender, and coats the pasta with a creamy, velvety sauce that’s not too rich. It’s what holds everything together here, so make sure it’s very well-blended to get rid of any graininess.

When you pull the casserole out of the oven, make sure to stir everything together so it’s evenly coated in the tasty sauce, as the pasta on top may be sitting above the sauce. Also, taste for seasoning at the end too to make sure there’s enough salt before showering on the basil for a touch of freshness.

Creamy Ricotta Corn and Tomato Baked Ziti

With a blender ricotta sauce, tomatoes, and corn, this is the freshest casserole you'll taste all summer.

Serves 6 to 8

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • Cooking spray

  • 1 pound

    dried penne or ziti pasta

  • 15 to 16 ounces

    whole-milk ricotta cheese

  • 2 cups

    whole milk

  • 1/2 grated

    grated Parmesan cheese

  • 3 cloves

    garlic, coarsely chopped

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons

    kosher salt, plus more as needed

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 pound

    tomatoes (about 3 medium), diced

  • 2 cups

    fresh or frozen corn kernels

  • 1/3 cup

    thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

Instructions

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  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 425°F. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.

  2. Add the pasta to the water and cook until al dente, about 9 minutes or according to package directions. Meanwhile, place the ricotta cheese, milk, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender and blend until very smooth; set aside.

  3. Drain the pasta and return to the pot. Add the tomatoes, corn, and ricotta sauce and stir until thoroughly combined. Transfer to the baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.

  4. Bake until bubbling around the edges, 30 minutes. Uncover and stir to evenly coat with sauce. Taste and season with salt as needed. Sprinkle with the basil.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.