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 ziti for a busy weeknight and was amazed by how simple it was to get dinner on the table—plus everyone loved the cheesy top.
Ingredients
- Dried ziti or penne: 340 g (12 oz)
- Marinara sauce: 700 ml (24 oz) jar
- Water: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic, minced: 3 cloves
- Dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme): 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): ½ tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Ricotta cheese: 250 g (1 cup)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 120 g (1 cup)
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 30 g (¼ cup)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish): 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat 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, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add 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 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.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Save My family now requests this baked ziti often, especially when we want something hearty but don't want a pile of dishes afterward.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, aluminum foil or oven-safe lid, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula
Nutritional Information
Calories: 495, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 63 g, Protein: 21 g per serving
Other Notes
For a crispier cheese top, you can broil the pan for 2–3 minutes at the end. Add cooked sausage or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor or nutrition. Penne or rigatoni can be substituted for ziti.
Save This pasta bake is sure to become a staple on your dinner table—simple, satisfying, and packed with comforting flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, penne or rigatoni can be substituted if ziti is unavailable, maintaining similar texture and cooking time.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes as indicated, or increase the amount to suit your desired heat level.
- → Is there a way to add protein without changing the dish much?
Incorporate cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms before baking for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → What is the best way to achieve a crispier top?
After baking, broil the dish for 2–3 minutes until the cheese turns golden and slightly crispy.
- → How long should I let it rest before serving?
Let the baked ziti rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set.