Save 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.
The first time I made this baked ziti, my kids couldn't believe how cheesy and saucy it was. It's now our go-to dinner when we all want something hearty but quick to prep.
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)
- Saute Garlic:
- In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant
- Mix Pasta and Sauce:
- 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, 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
- Finish & Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving
Save Baked ziti night means everyone gathers at the dinner table a little early! It's always a hit with both adults and kids in our family.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, aluminum foil or oven-safe lid, measuring cups and spoons, and a wooden spoon or spatula are all you need.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 495 calories, 18 g total fat, 63 g carbohydrates, and 21 g protein.
Customization Ideas
Try adding cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also substitute penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable.
Save Serve straight from the pan for maximum comfort. Leftovers taste even better the next day!
Common recipe questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Ziti or penne pasta work well due to their tubular shape, which holds sauce and cheese beautifully during baking.
- → Can I add vegetables to the bake?
Yes, adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms enhances flavor and adds nutrition to the dish.
- → How do I ensure the pasta cooks evenly?
Simmer the pasta in sauce and water before baking, and cover it during the initial baking to allow even cooking.
- → What cheeses are used for the topping?
The bake combines creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan for a rich, gooey topping.
- → Can I make it spicier?
Yes, adding crushed red pepper flakes during preparation provides a subtle spicy kick without overwhelming the flavors.