One-Pan Baked Ziti

Featured in: Comfort Bakes

This one-pan dish features tender dried ziti simmered in a rich marinara sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. After baking, dollops of creamy ricotta and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses melt to create a bubbly, golden topping. The convenient, all-in-one pan method saves time and effort, delivering a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for casual dining. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a bright finish, this easy-to-make casserole invites customization with vegetables or sausage additions.

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By Claire Johnson

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:24:00 GMT

Steaming hot one-pan baked ziti with bubbly mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh basil. | ovenharmony.com

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.

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 & 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.

A close-up of cheesy one-pan baked ziti, showing tender pasta and rich tomato sauce. | ovenharmony.com

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.

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.

Golden, baked one-pan ziti ready to serve, a comforting Italian-American vegetarian meal. | ovenharmony.com

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.

One-Pan Baked Ziti

Hearty ziti baked with tomato sauce and cheeses, all in one pan for effortless cooking and full flavor.

Prep duration

10 min

Cook duration

35 min

Complete duration

45 min

Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Comfort Bakes

Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Pasta & Sauce

01 12 oz dried ziti or penne pasta

02 24 oz jar marinara sauce

03 2 cups water

04 2 tablespoons olive oil

05 3 cloves garlic, minced

06 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)

07 ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

08 Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheeses

01 1 cup ricotta cheese

02 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

03 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat.

Phase 02

Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Phase 03

Combine Ingredients: In the skillet, add dried ziti, marinara sauce, water, dried Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to fully incorporate and ensure the pasta is submerged.

Phase 04

Bake Covered: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. Cover the skillet with foil or an oven-safe lid and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes.

Phase 05

Add Cheeses: Remove the skillet from the oven and stir gently to combine. Evenly distribute dollops of ricotta cheese over the top, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Phase 06

Bake Uncovered: Return the skillet to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Phase 07

Rest and Garnish: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Necessary tools

Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish
Aluminum foil or oven-safe lid
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.

Contains wheat (gluten) and dairy (cheese). Verify labels for additional allergens.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.

Energy: 495
Fats: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 63 g
Proteins: 21 g