Deliciously simple, one-pan perfection.

One-Pan Baked Ziti is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that requires only one pan for cooking. It is a variation of the classic Italian dish, baked ziti, but with the added convenience of being cooked in a single pan. This dish typically consists of ziti pasta, tomato sauce, cheese, and various seasonings, all baked together to create a flavorful and comforting meal. One-Pan Baked Ziti is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying and hearty dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

Easy One-Pan Baked Ziti Recipe

One-Pan Baked Ziti is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This recipe requires minimal effort and uses just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. With its rich flavors and comforting textures, it is sure to become a family favorite.

To make this One-Pan Baked Ziti, you will need a few simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Start by gathering one pound of ziti pasta, one jar of marinara sauce, one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one cup of ricotta cheese, one egg, and some fresh basil for garnish.

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

In the same pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute. Then, pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Next, add the cooked ziti pasta to the pan with the marinara sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.

Now, it’s time to assemble the dish. Spread half of the ziti mixture evenly in the bottom of the pan. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture on top. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta mixture. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ziti mixture, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once the One-Pan Baked Ziti is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness.

Serve this delicious dish straight from the pan, allowing everyone to dig in and enjoy. The combination of the creamy ricotta cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite.

Not only is this One-Pan Baked Ziti recipe incredibly tasty, but it also saves you time and effort in the kitchen. With just one pan to clean up, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.

In conclusion, One-Pan Baked Ziti is a simple yet satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a delicious and hassle-free meal.

Delicious Variations of One-Pan Baked Ziti

One-Pan Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that is loved by many for its simplicity and delicious flavors. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to prepare a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The best part is that you only need one pan to make it, making cleanup a breeze.

There are many variations of One-Pan Baked Ziti that you can try to add your own personal touch to this classic dish. One popular variation is adding meat to the dish. You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or even chicken to give the dish an extra protein boost. Simply brown the meat in the pan before adding the other ingredients, and let it cook through as the ziti bakes in the oven. The meat adds a savory element to the dish and makes it even more satisfying.

If you’re a fan of vegetables, you can also add them to your One-Pan Baked Ziti. Some popular choices include bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini. Simply sauté the vegetables in the pan before adding the other ingredients, and let them cook through as the ziti bakes. The vegetables add a burst of freshness and color to the dish, making it even more appealing.

Another delicious variation of One-Pan Baked Ziti is adding different types of cheese. While the classic recipe calls for mozzarella and Parmesan, you can experiment with other types of cheese to create a unique flavor profile. Some options include cheddar, Gruyere, or even goat cheese. Simply sprinkle the cheese on top of the ziti before baking, and let it melt and become golden and bubbly. The cheese adds a rich and creamy element to the dish, making it even more indulgent.

For those who like a little kick in their meals, you can also add some spices or herbs to your One-Pan Baked Ziti. Some popular choices include red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or fresh basil. Simply sprinkle the spices or herbs on top of the ziti before baking, and let them infuse the dish with their aromatic flavors. The spices and herbs add a depth of flavor to the dish, making it even more satisfying.

Lastly, if you’re looking to make your One-Pan Baked Ziti a bit healthier, you can substitute some of the ingredients with healthier alternatives. For example, you can use whole wheat ziti instead of regular pasta to increase the fiber content. You can also use low-fat or part-skim cheese to reduce the fat content. Additionally, you can add more vegetables to the dish to increase the nutritional value. These small changes can make a big difference in the overall healthiness of the dish without sacrificing taste.

In conclusion, One-Pan Baked Ziti is a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you add meat, vegetables, different types of cheese, spices, or make it healthier, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. So why not give it a try and enjoy a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort and cleanup?

Tips for Perfectly Baking One-Pan Ziti

One-Pan Baked Ziti is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy family meal. The best part about this recipe is that it requires only one pan, making cleanup a breeze. However, to ensure that your One-Pan Baked Ziti turns out perfectly every time, there are a few tips and tricks that you should keep in mind.

First and foremost, it is important to choose the right type of pasta for your One-Pan Baked Ziti. Ziti, with its tubular shape and ridges, is the ideal choice as it holds the sauce well and provides a satisfying texture. However, if you don’t have ziti on hand, you can also use penne or rigatoni as a substitute.

When it comes to cooking the pasta, it is crucial to slightly undercook it. This is because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want it to become mushy. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, but reduce it by a minute or two. This will ensure that your One-Pan Baked Ziti has perfectly al dente pasta.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and set it aside. In the same pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat and sauté some minced garlic until fragrant. This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish. Next, add some ground beef or Italian sausage to the pan and cook until browned. Be sure to break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.

After the meat is cooked, it’s time to add the sauce. You can use store-bought marinara sauce or make your own from scratch. If you choose to make your own sauce, be sure to simmer it for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Once the sauce is ready, pour it into the pan with the cooked meat and garlic.

Now it’s time to add the cooked pasta to the pan. Gently stir everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. At this point, you can also add some additional seasonings such as dried oregano, basil, or red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor of the dish.

To give your One-Pan Baked Ziti a cheesy and gooey finish, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Once the One-Pan Baked Ziti is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to portion out. Garnish with some fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

In conclusion, One-Pan Baked Ziti is a simple and delicious dish that can be easily prepared in just one pan. By following these tips, you can ensure that your One-Pan Baked Ziti turns out perfectly every time. From choosing the right pasta to slightly undercooking it, to adding flavorful ingredients and finishing it off with a generous amount of cheese, these tips will help you create a mouthwatering and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Q&A

1. What is One-Pan Baked Ziti?
One-Pan Baked Ziti is a dish made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients, all baked together in a single pan.

2. How do you make One-Pan Baked Ziti?
To make One-Pan Baked Ziti, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions. In a separate pan, combine marinara sauce, cooked pasta, cheese, and any desired additional ingredients. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with more cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. What are some variations of One-Pan Baked Ziti?
Some variations of One-Pan Baked Ziti include adding ground meat such as beef or sausage, incorporating vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or using different types of cheese for added flavor.In conclusion, One-Pan Baked Ziti is a delicious and convenient dish that requires minimal effort and cleanup. It is a flavorful combination of pasta, sauce, cheese, and various seasonings, all baked together in one pan. This dish is perfect for busy individuals or families looking for a quick and satisfying meal option.