One-Pan Baked Ziti

A comforting, budget-friendly pasta bake featuring tender ziti, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all baked together in just one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

One-pan baked ziti became my go-to solution for quick weeknight dinners when my family craved something cozy but I wanted to avoid a pile of dishes. The blend of creamy ricotta and bubbling mozzarella always won them over.

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

Prep the 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 Pasta & Sauce:

Add dried ziti, marinara sauce, water, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged

Bake First:

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 Again:

Return to oven uncovered. Bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden

Garnish & Serve:

Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving

Save

This recipe became a staple on busy school nights, and everyone gathered around the table eager for seconds. The irresistible cheesy top brought smiles every time.

Required Tools

Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, aluminum foil or oven-safe lid, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 495, Total Fat 18 g, Carbohydrates 63 g, Protein 21 g

Notes

Add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables (such as spinach or mushrooms) for extra flavor and nutrition. Substitute penne or rigatoni if ziti is unavailable. For a crispier top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

Save

Enjoy one-pan baked ziti fresh from the oven and savor the gooey cheese and tangy tomato sauce. Leftovers make an excellent next-day lunch.

Recipe Guide

→ Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, penne or rigatoni are great substitutes if ziti is unavailable, providing a similar texture and bake time.

→ How can I add extra vegetables?

Sautéed spinach or mushrooms can be stirred in before baking to enhance flavor and nutrition.

→ What cheese combinations work best?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan blend well together, balancing creaminess with sharp, melty textures.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Assemble in advance and refrigerate; bake just before serving to maintain ideal texture and flavor.

→ How do I achieve a crispy cheese topping?

Broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

→ Is this suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, it contains no meat and features a vegetarian-friendly combination of pasta, tomatoes, herbs, and cheeses.