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.
I loved serving this baked ziti on weeknights when I needed something hearty without a pile of dishes. The gooey cheese and flavorful sauce make everyone happy at the table.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Sauce: 340 g (12 oz) dried ziti or penne, 700 ml (24 oz) jar marinara sauce, 500 ml (2 cups) water, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme), ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), salt and pepper (to taste)
- Cheeses: 250 g (1 cup) ricotta cheese, 120 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, 30 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh: 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep 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, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients:
- 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 Cheeses:
- Remove pan from oven, stir gently. Dollop ricotta cheese over the top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Finish Baking:
- Return to oven uncovered. Bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Save Sharing this with my family reminds me of gatherings around the dinner table, where everyone helps themselves to generous servings and there's always laughter.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, aluminum foil or oven-safe lid, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula
Notes
Add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. Substitute penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable. For a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 495, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 63 g, Protein: 21 g (per serving)
Save This one-pan baked ziti is the perfect way to serve comfort and flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best?
Dried ziti is the traditional choice, but penne or rigatoni can be used interchangeably without affecting texture.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Using enough marinara sauce and water to cover the pasta ensures it simmers properly and stays tender during baking.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables can be stirred in before baking for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → Is there a way to get a crispier top layer?
Broil the dish for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese crust.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor?
Dried Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme blend well with garlic to enrich the sauce and pasta.