Introduction
Let’s be honest: some days, you need a big, bubbling pan of cheese and carbs to make everything right in the world. But if you’re anything like me, the thought of layering a complicated lasagna on a busy Tuesday feels like a mountain you can’t climb. That’s precisely where this 5-Ingredient Cheesy Baked Ziti comes to the rescue!
I stumbled upon this method one chaotic evening when my pantry was nearly bare, and I realized you don’t need a laundry list of components to create something totally crave-worthy. By combining the heartiness of pasta with a brilliant layering technique, you get all that glossy, decadent comfort without the hours of prep. This isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a legitimate rival to the Sunday gravy classics. You can whip this up in under an hour, making it the ultimate easy baked ziti recipe for anyone who wants big flavor with zero stress. Get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight baked ziti staple.
Table of Contents
Ultra-Creamy 5-Ingredient Cheesy Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta or penne/rigatoni
- 2 24-ounce jars marinara sauce (approx. 6 cups)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese dairy or plant-based
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese dairy or plant-based
- Salt for pasta water
- Optional: 9-12 oz plant-based meat crumbles or veggie burgers
- Optional: Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta to al dente (slightly undercooked). Drain well; do not rinse.
- Warm the Sauce: In a large pan, heat marinara sauce over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. (Stir in optional meat crumbles now if using). Add drained pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Layer Half: Grease a 9×13 baking dish. Spread half the pasta mixture in the dish. Dollop half the ricotta cheese in mounds and swirl gently. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella.
- Layer the Rest: Top with the remaining pasta mixture. Dollop remaining ricotta and swirl. Cover generously with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes to set, garnish with basil, and serve hot.
Nutrition
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to pull this together. It’s a short list, so opt for high-quality ingredients whenever possible.
- 1 pound ziti pasta (or substitute with penne or Rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (feel free to use dairy or a plant-based alternative)
- 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara sauce (you’ll need about 6 cups total to keep it moist)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (dairy or plant-based, both melt beautifully here)
- 9-12 ounces plant-based meat crumbles or crumbled veggie burgers (totally optional, but adds great texture)
- Optional garnish: Fresh basil for a pop of color
- Pantry staple: Salt for the pasta water
Instructions
Here are the steps to pasta perfection. Don’t worry about being precise; this dish is incredibly forgiving!
- Get the Water Boiling. Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This is crucial; you want it slightly undercooked because it will continue to tenderize in the oven. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. I recommend skipping the rinse cycle here; leaving that starchy surface helps our Sauce cling to the noodles for a silky, cohesive bite.
- Warm the Sauce. While your pasta is bubbling away, pour both jars of marinara sauce into a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Let it warm up for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If you decide to use the optional meat crumbles or veggie burgers for a heartier, simple baked ziti-style dish, stir them into the Sauce right now. Once the Sauce is hot and aromatic, toss the drained pasta directly into the pan. Stir until every single piece of pasta is gloriously coated in red Sauce.
- Layer the Foundation Now for the fun part! Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with a small amount of olive oil or cooking spray. Pour half of your saucy pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out to create an even bottom layer. Next, take half of your ricotta cheese and dollop it in mounds across the pasta. Use your spoon to swirl it in gently; you want some pockets of ricotta to remain distinct while others blend to create a creamy texture. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over this layer.
- Build the Top Tier by adding the remaining pasta and sauce mixture directly on top, smoothing it out gently. Repeat the cheese process: dollop the remaining ricotta across the surface, swirling it slightly to create a beautiful marbled look. Finally, cover the entire dish with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Please don’t be shy here; this top layer is what gives us that irresistible golden, bubbly crust we all dream about.
- Bake and Rest. Pop your assembled masterpiece into an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). Bake it uncovered for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted and the edges to be bubbling enthusiastically. Once it looks golden and smells absolutely incredible, please remove it from the oven. This next part requires patience: let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to scoop out perfect portions. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!
Tips & Variations for the Perfect Bake
While this 5-Ingredient Cheesy Baked Ziti is fantastic as written, I love that it serves as a blank canvas for your creativity. It’s one of those dinners that adapts to whatever is in your fridge!
- The Ricotta Technique: The secret to that creamy, “lazy lasagna” vibe is not over-mixing the ricotta. By leaving it in dollops, you get these wonderful pockets of cool, creamy cheese against the hot, acidic tomato sauce. It creates a totally crave-worthy texture.
- Veggie Boost: If you want to sneak in some greens, try tossing a handful of fresh spinach into the warm Sauce before adding the pasta. The heat wilts it perfectly without adding extra steps. You can also roast zucchini or peppers and throw them in for a vibrant, chunky version of this Italian comfort food.
- Cheese Swaps: If you can’t find ricotta, cottage cheese makes a surprisingly good high-protein substitute (blend it first if you want it smooth). For a sharper flavor bite, try mixing a little Parmesan or Pecorino Romano into your mozzarella topping.
- Pasta Shapes: While Ziti is the namesake, this recipe works perfectly with any short, tube-shaped pasta. Penne and Rigatoni are excellent choices because their ridges grab onto that glossy Sauce, ensuring every bite packs a punch.
What to Serve With Baked Ziti
To turn this quick cheesy pasta bake into a complete feast, you need sides that cut through the richness of the cheese. Here are a few of my personal favorites that balance the meal perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Is it even pasta night without it? A crusty loaf of garlic bread is non-negotiable for sopping up that extra marinara sauce. It adds a necessary crunch to contrast the soft, silky pasta.
- A Crisp Green Salad: I always serve this with a simple arugula or romaine salad tossed in a zippy lemon vinaigrette. The acid and freshness of the greens help cleanse the palate between heavy, cheesy bites.
- Roasted Broccoli: If you prefer to keep the veggies separate, roast some broccoli florets with olive oil and chili flakes while the Ziti is baking. The timing works out perfectly, since both require a hot oven.
FAQs
What’s the secret to a flavorful ziti?
The biggest secret is salting your pasta water generously; it should taste like the ocean! Also, since we are using fewer ingredients, the quality of your jarred marinara really matters. Opt for a sauce that you enjoy eating straight from the jar, as its flavor profile will define the entire dish.
What are the common mistakes when cooking Ziti?
The most common pitfall is overcooking the pasta before it is added to the oven. Remember to drain it when it is still firm (al dente). If it’s entirely soft when mixed with the Sauce, it may turn mushy after the second round of cooking in the oven.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a champion of meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add approximately 5-10 minutes to the baking time, as you’ll be starting with a cold dish. It freezes well, too!
Conclusion
There you have it, a 5-Ingredient Cheesy Baked Ziti that proves you don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen to achieve deep, soulful flavor. It’s warm, it’s comforting, and it brings people to the table faster than you can say “buon appetito.” I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your rotation just like it has in mine.
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you stick to the classic five ingredients, or did you add some spicy peppers or extra vegetables? Please let me know in the comments below or tag me in your photos. Seeing your creations makes my day!
