Save 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.
I first made this one-pan baked ziti for my family on a chilly weeknight when simplicity was a priority. The kids loved how cheesy it was and I appreciated having just one dish to wash after dinner.
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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)
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Instructions
- Prep & Preheat:
- 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, 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 Covered:
- Bring to a simmer, then cover with foil or a lid and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheese:
- 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:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Save This ziti casserole quickly became a family favorite; even picky eaters scramble for seconds. When served hot out of the oven, it brings everyone to the table.
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Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, aluminum foil or oven-safe lid, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (cheese). Always double-check sauce and cheese packaging for possible hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 495, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 63 g, Protein: 21 g.
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One-pan baked ziti delivers maximum comfort and flavor with minimum work. Enjoy a hearty meal that feels like a restaurant classic from your own oven.
