Save A comforting, budget-friendly pasta bake featuring tender ziti, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese baked together in just one pan. This makes cleanup easy and flavor irresistible.
I first made this baked ziti for a busy weeknight dinner and was amazed at how quickly it came together. The whole family appreciated the cheesy layers and the hearty flavors without lots of dishes piling up.
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
- Prepare 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.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add dried ziti, marinara sauce, water, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged.
- Bake Covered:
- Bring to a simmer, then cover with foil or a lid and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheeses:
- Remove pan from oven and 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, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Save This baked ziti is often requested at family gatherings. Last Sunday, everyone went back for seconds and even the pickiest eaters cleaned their plates.
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.
Recipe Notes
Add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor. Substitute penne or rigatoni if you don't have ziti. Broil for a few minutes at the end for a crispier cheese topping.
Save Serve warm for best flavor and enjoy the cheesy comfort. Any leftovers make a delicious lunch the next day.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes and hold sauce similarly during baking.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce and water mixture before baking to keep it moist and tender.
- → What cheese combination works best?
A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates creamy, gooey, and flavorful layers when baked.
- → Can I add vegetables or meat?
Yes, sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or cooked Italian sausage, can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- → How to achieve a crispy top layer?
Broil the dish for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking to brown and crisp the cheese topping.