One-Pan Cheesy Baked Ziti
The ultimate family comfort food with minimal cleanup! This hearty pasta bake is loaded with cheese and flavor, and everything cooks in a single pan for an easy weeknight win.
Equipment
- Large Oven-Safe Skillet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jar marinara sauce 24 oz / 700 ml
- 2 cups water
- 12 oz ziti or penne pasta uncooked
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and onion; cook until meat is browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Uncover, top with dollops of ricotta, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can use any short pasta shape you have on hand. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the flavor and saving you from washing an extra pot!
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 28gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 4gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 3.5mg
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