Save 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.
This one-pan baked ziti quickly became a weeknight favorite in my home because it comes together with minimal fuss and fills the kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of bubbling cheese and savory tomato sauce.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Start Sauce Base:
- 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 Ingredients:
- Add dried ziti marinara sauce water Italian herbs red pepper flakes salt and pepper. Stir to combine ensuring pasta is submerged.
- Bake:
- Bring to a simmer then cover with foil or lid and transfer to 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.
- Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Save Sharing this skillet of baked ziti with family always means lots of smiles around the table especially with crisp cheesy edges everyone tries to get a scoop from the corner.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish measuring cups and spoons wooden spoon or spatula aluminum foil or oven-safe lid.
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories: 495 Total Fat: 18 g Carbohydrates: 63 g Protein: 21 g.
Variations & Additions
Stir cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the pasta before baking for extra flavor and nutrition.
Save This easy baked ziti will satisfy anyone craving comforting cheesy pasta, and its versatility means you can make it your own every time.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes that hold sauce well and work perfectly with this baked dish.
- → How can I make the top cheese layer crispier?
Broil the pasta bake for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking until the cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.
- → Is it possible to add proteins or vegetables?
You can include cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- → What herbs are recommended for this dish?
A combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme provides an aromatic Italian flavor profile to the sauce.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from drying out during baking?
Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce before baking and cover the dish with foil or a lid to retain moisture.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
It can be assembled in advance and refrigerated; bake it fresh before serving to enjoy melted cheese and optimal flavor.