One-Pan Baked Ziti

The aroma of bubbling cheese and rich tomato sauce wafts through the air, igniting your taste buds as you imagine a plate of One-Pan Baked Ziti. Picture this: pasta cooked to perfection, enveloped in a cozy blanket of melty mozzarella, topped with fresh basil that adds just the right amount of flair. easy one-pan pasta dish Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, this dish promises to deliver comfort and joy with every bite.

Remember those evenings when the family gathered around the table, laughter echoing as bowls filled with cheesy goodness were passed around? One-Pan Baked Ziti evokes those cherished memories, effortlessly bringing everyone together for a delicious feast. spicy and sweet chicken bowls delicious one-pan shrimp It’s perfect for celebrations or simply rewarding yourself after a long day, inviting anticipation of its mouthwatering flavors.

Every time I serve this dish, my friends and family can’t help but swoon over the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ziti Pasta: Choose a sturdy pasta that holds onto the sauce well; ziti is perfect for this.
• Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade; both will add excellent flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it provides that luscious texture. For more inspiration, check out this Beef and Cheese Chimichangas recipe.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Always use fresh mozzarella if possible; it melts beautifully and pulls apart perfectly.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: This salty addition brings depth; don’t skip it if you want maximum flavor.
• Fresh Basil: A handful of chopped basil elevates the dish with freshness; use it generously!
• Olive Oil: A splash of good quality olive oil enhances richness; drizzling some in while cooking adds flavor.
• Ground Beef or Sausage (optional): For meat lovers, brown some meat before layering; it adds heartiness to the dish. ground turkey and vegetable medley.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly while you prepare the ziti.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook ziti until al dente. You want it slightly firm since it will bake further. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Aromatics (if using meat): In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they soften. If you’re adding ground beef or sausage, brown it now until no longer pink.

Add Sauce & Cheese Mixture: Stir in marinara sauce into the skillet. In another bowl, combine ricotta cheese with salt and pepper. Mix well until creamy.

Layering Time!: In your baking dish, start layering: first pasta, then ricotta mixture, followed by marinara sauce and mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used up!

Bake It Up!: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown and bubbly—trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly!

This recipe not only satisfies all your cravings but also makes cleanup a breeze since everything happens in one pan! Enjoy your One-Pan Baked Ziti hot from the oven—it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm cheesy hug!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven while you cook the pasta al dente. Once done, combine with sauce and cheese in your baking dish for the ultimate one-pan experience. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini recipe.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out mozzarella for ricotta or add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. This recipe invites creativity, so make it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

The first time I made One-Pan Baked Ziti, my friends devoured it in minutes, leaving me with just crumbs and laughter echoing around the table.

FAQ

Can I use gluten-free pasta for One-Pan Baked Ziti?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully, just adjust cooking time as needed.

How long should I bake my One-Pan Baked Ziti?

Bake for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top, then enjoy!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it earlier and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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One-Pan Baked Ziti

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

One-Pan Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that effortlessly combines al dente ziti pasta with a rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish offers layers of flavor that will leave everyone craving more. With its golden-brown, bubbly top and fresh basil garnish, One-Pan Baked Ziti not only satisfies your hunger but also evokes warm memories around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef or sausage (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until softened. If using meat, brown it until no longer pink.
4. Stir marinara sauce into the skillet. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with salt and pepper until creamy.
5. In a baking dish, layer pasta, ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 70mg