Save to Pinterest 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 remember the first time I made this for my family after a busy workday. The aroma of baking pasta immediately brought everyone to the kitchen, eager for a taste.
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), 1⁄2 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 (1⁄4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh: 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine Main Ingredients:
- Add dried ziti, marinara sauce, water, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged.
- Initial Bake:
- Bring to a simmer, cover tightly with foil or a lid, and transfer to oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheeses:
- Remove pan from oven and stir gently. Dollop ricotta cheese over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Final Bake:
- Return to oven uncovered, bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Finish & Serve:
- Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Save to Pinterest My kids always ask for seconds and love to help sprinkle cheese over the bubbling pasta—this one became a fast favorite at our family table.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, aluminum foil or oven-safe lid, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula.
Notes
Add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. For a crispier top, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 495, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 63 g, Protein 21 g.
Save to Pinterest This one-pan baked ziti is perfect for weeknights or gatherings. You can assemble it ahead so dinner is ready when you need it.
Answers to Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Dried ziti or penne are ideal as they hold sauce well and maintain texture after baking. Rigatoni can be substituted if needed.
- → How do I get a bubbly, golden cheese topping?
After baking the pasta covered, uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheeses to bubble and brown nicely.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble it in advance and refrigerate before baking. Just extend the baking time a bit if baking from cold.
- → How can I add more flavor or nutrition?
Add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms before baking to boost flavor and nutrients.
- → What herbs enhance this baked pasta?
Dried Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme complement the tomato sauce and cheeses beautifully for traditional flavor.