Save A comforting, budget-friendly pasta bake featuring tender ziti, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese all baked together in just one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
Growing up, baked ziti was the star of our family dinners, and making it in one pan turned a weekend favorite into a quick weeknight meal. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen.
Ingredients
- Dried ziti or penne: 340 g (12 oz)
- Marinara sauce: 700 ml (24 oz) jar
- Water: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic, minced: 3 cloves
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): ½ tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Ricotta cheese: 250 g (1 cup)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 30 g (¼ cup)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): 2 tbsp, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Saute garlic:
- In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute for 1 minute until fragrant
- Add pasta & sauce:
- Add dried ziti, marinara sauce, water, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged
- Bake covered:
- Bring to a simmer, then cover with foil or a lid and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes
- Add cheese:
- Remove pan from oven, stir gently. Dollop ricotta cheese over the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan
- Bake uncovered:
- Return to oven uncovered. Bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden
- Garnish & rest:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving
Save This baked ziti brings back memories of Sunday dinners where the whole family gathered around, eagerly waiting for the cheesy pasta to come out of the oven. It's still our go-to when we want comfort food that's simple and satisfying.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, aluminum foil or oven-safe lid, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy. Check sauce and cheese labels carefully if serving anyone with allergies
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains an estimated 495 calories, 18 g total fat, 63 g carbohydrates, and 21 g protein
Save Serve straight from the pan piping hot and bubbly, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Enjoy cozy comfort and easy cleanup with every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → What pasta types work well besides ziti?
Penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes, holding sauce well and baking evenly.
- → How can I make the cheese topping crispier?
Broil the dish uncovered for 2–3 minutes at the end until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms enhance flavor and nutrition.
- → What herbs are best for this baked pasta?
Dried Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme bring a classic aroma and taste to the sauce.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this preparation uses cheese and tomato sauce without meat, aligning with a vegetarian diet.