Save to Pinterest 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 made this baked ziti on a busy weeknight, and it quickly became a favorite for its simplicity and delicious results. It feels like a special treat even though it comes together in under an hour.
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 & Sauté:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine & Bake:
- Add dried ziti, marinara sauce, water, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir, making sure the pasta is submerged. Bring to a simmer, then cover with foil or lid and transfer to oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheese:
- Remove pan from oven and gently stir. Dollop ricotta cheese over top, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Final Bake:
- Return to oven uncovered. Bake 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Save to Pinterest My family always gathers around the table for this dish, and it's perfect for sharing. Leftovers are just as tasty and make meal prep easy for the next day.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, aluminum foil or oven-safe lid, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
This recipe contains wheat and dairy. Always check your sauce and cheese ingredients if you or guests have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving is approximately 495 calories with 18 g total fat, 63 g carbohydrates, and 21 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This easy baked ziti will become your go-to comforting dinner. Enjoy it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes, penne or rigatoni can be substituted for ziti with no changes to the cooking process.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in sauce and water before baking to keep it tender and moist.
- → What cheeses are included in this dish?
Ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan combine for creamy, gooey layers of melted cheese.
- → Can I add vegetables for more nutrition?
Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be stirred in before baking to enhance flavor and add nutrients.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish contains no meat and features vegetarian-friendly ingredients.
- → How do I get a crispy cheese topping?
Broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking to achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust.