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.
I first made this one-pan baked ziti on a busy weeknight and was delighted by how easy it was to assemble and bake. The flavors meld beautifully, and everyone asks for seconds every time!
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).
- Sauté Garlic:
- In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Pasta & Sauce:
- Add dried ziti, marinara sauce, water, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged.
- Simmer & Bake:
- Bring to a simmer, then cover with foil or lid and transfer dish 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.
- Bake Uncovered:
- Return to oven uncovered. Bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Save Sharing this ziti bake has become a family tradition for our movie nights. It is always a crowd-pleaser and brings everyone together around the table.
Customizations
Add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, aluminum foil or oven-safe lid, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula
Nutritional Information
Calories: 495, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 63 g, Protein: 21 g per serving.
Save This comforting pasta bake is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy with a side salad for a complete meal.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Dried ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni can be used as suitable substitutes without affecting texture.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Add extra baking time if starting from cold.
- → How do I achieve a crispy top layer?
Broil the baked dish for 2 to 3 minutes at the end until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- → Are there ways to make this dish more nutritious?
Adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or cooked Italian sausage can boost flavor and nutrition.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor profile?
Dried basil, oregano, and thyme complement the marinara sauce and enrich the overall taste.