One-Pan Baked Ziti (Printable)

Comfortable pasta dish with ziti, tomato sauce, and melted cheese baked together in one pan.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta & Sauce

01 - 12 oz dried ziti or penne pasta
02 - 24 oz jar marinara sauce
03 - 2 cups water
04 - 2 tbsp olive oil
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
07 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Cheeses

09 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
10 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Fresh

12 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add dried ziti, marinara sauce, water, Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is fully submerged.
04 - Bring mixture to a simmer, cover with foil or a lid, and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
05 - Remove skillet from oven, stir gently, then dollop ricotta over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
06 - Return skillet to oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
07 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses only one pan for easy cleanup
  • Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins
02 -
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy
  • Check ingredient labels for allergens if needed
03 -
  • Make sure pasta is submerged in sauce before baking
  • Let dish rest for a few minutes before serving for cleaner slices
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