Pin this A comforting, budget-friendly pasta bake featuring tender ziti, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese baked together in just one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
I first discovered this one-pan baked ziti during a busy week and was amazed by how simple, hearty, and delicious it turned out. It quickly became my go-to dinner for those nights when I craved comfort food without a mountain of dishes.
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: 3 cloves, minced
- Dried Italian herbs: 1 tsp (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Crushed red pepper flakes: ½ tsp (optional)
- 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: 2 tbsp (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Sauté garlic:
- In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant
- Combine pasta and 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, cover with foil or lid, and transfer to oven. Bake for 25 minutes
- Add cheeses:
- Remove pan from oven and stir gently. Dollop ricotta cheese over top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan
- Bake uncovered:
- Return to oven uncovered. Bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden
- Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil or parsley
Pin this This baked ziti was a hit with my family at our last Sunday dinner. Everyone loved the cheesy topping and hearty pasta, and we appreciated only having one pan to wash afterwards.
Variations
Add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Try penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable for a similar result.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, aluminum foil or oven-safe lid, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula.
Make Ahead & Storage
Assemble and refrigerate before baking, then bake when ready to serve. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Pin this This one-pan baked ziti makes weeknight dinners easy and comforting. Enjoy leftovers for a warming lunch the next day.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I use other pasta instead of ziti?
Yes, similar pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work well as they hold the sauce effectively during baking.
- → How do I achieve a crispy cheese topping?
For a golden, slightly crisp cheese layer, place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor in this dish?
Dried Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme add aromatic depth and complement the tomato sauce beautifully.
- → Is it possible to add protein or vegetables?
Yes, cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms can be stirred in for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.