Save A comforting, budget-friendly pasta bake featuring tender ziti, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese baked together in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
When I first made this baked ziti, I couldn't believe how simple it was to toss everything together in one pan and have a delicious dinner ready with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Ziti or Penne: 340 g (12 oz) dried
- 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)
- Mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup), shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 30 g (¼ cup), grated
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley: 2 tbsp (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Base:
- In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic and 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 and ensure pasta is submerged.
- Bake Pasta:
- Bring mixture to a simmer, cover with foil or lid, and transfer to oven. Bake 25 minutes.
- Add Cheeses:
- Remove pan from oven, stir gently. Dollop ricotta cheese over top, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake Until Golden:
- Return to oven uncovered. Bake 10 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Save Serving this to my family on weekends always brings smiles. Everyone gathers for seconds, and leftovers make excellent lunches the next day.
Required Tools
Use a large ovenproof skillet, foil or lid, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon for best results.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 495, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 63 g, Protein 21 g.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs for flavor and color.
Save Enjoy this easy one-pan baked ziti for cozy family dinners. It reheats beautifully and makes terrific leftovers.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use pasta shapes other than ziti?
Yes, penne or rigatoni are great alternatives and hold sauce well during baking.
- → How can I make the cheese topping crispier?
Broil the dish for 2–3 minutes at the end until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- → Is it possible to add protein to this dish?
Adding cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms enriches flavor and nutrients.
- → What herbs enhance the sauce flavor?
Dried Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme complement the tomato sauce beautifully.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Maintaining enough liquid with marinara and water ensures the pasta cooks evenly and stays tender.