3-Ingredient Baked Ziti

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Looking for a quick and tasty meal? 3-Ingredient Baked Ziti is your answer! This simple dish needs just ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want comfort food without the fuss.

You’ll love how easy it is to make. Just cook the pasta, mix it with sauce, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly. In no time, you’ll have a hot, cheesy meal that everyone will enjoy. Let’s dive into this yummy recipe!

Exact Ingredients (Plus Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple 3-ingredient baked ziti:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Can’t find ziti? No worries! You can use penne, rigatoni, or even rotini instead.

For the marinara, pick your favorite jarred sauce or make your own. Feel free to spice it up with some garlic or herbs if you like.

Mozzarella is key for that gooey, cheesy top. But you can mix things up! Try adding some grated Parmesan or crumbled ricotta for extra flavor.

Want to make it heartier? Toss in some cooked ground beef or Italian sausage. Veggie lovers can add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

Remember, this recipe is super flexible. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get a large pot of water boiling on the stove. Add a pinch of salt to the water.

Cook the ziti pasta in the boiling water until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta when it’s done.

Pour half of the marinara sauce into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add the cooked ziti and mix it with the sauce.

Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the pasta. Make sure all the pasta is covered.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Use as much as you like!

Put the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your easy, cheesy baked ziti!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Cook the ziti until it’s al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy when baked. You can test the pasta by biting into a piece – it should be firm but not crunchy.

Use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. If you like, add some Italian herbs or garlic powder to boost the taste.

Don’t skimp on the cheese! A generous layer of mozzarella on top creates that classic golden, bubbly crust.

Let the baked ziti cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to portion out.

To store leftovers, cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying out. Cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.

You can also freeze baked ziti for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.