Pin it 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 recipe when searching for a hearty vegetarian option that would please my whole family. The one-pan method made a busy evening so much easier and everyone loved the cheesy topping.
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 (basil, oregano, thyme): 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): ½ tsp
- 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 (optional, for garnish): 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set 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 cook 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 and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Bake covered:
- Bring to a simmer, cover with foil or lid and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add cheeses:
- Remove pan from oven and stir gently. Dollop ricotta cheese and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Bake uncovered:
- Return to oven uncovered and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Pin it This one-pan baked ziti is a regular in our house on chilly nights when we crave something filling and delicious, and the kids get excited for the gooey cheese bake every time.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, aluminum foil or oven-safe lid, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains wheat and dairy products. Always check ingredient labels to confirm if store-bought sauces or cheeses suit your dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 495, Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 63 g, Protein 21 g
Pin it Enjoy the ultimate comfort meal with this cheesy baked ziti. The leftovers taste even better the next day!
Common Questions
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, penne or rigatoni can replace ziti while maintaining a similar texture and bake time.
- → How do I make the cheese topping bubbly and golden?
Bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully and develop a golden crust.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor best?
Dried basil, oregano, and thyme blend well with marinara sauce to create an authentic Italian-American flavor.
- → Can I add vegetables or protein?
Yes, sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cooked Italian sausage can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
- → What is the best way to prepare the dish for crispier topping?
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking to crisp the cheese layer slightly.