Easy Weeknight Baked Ziti

By Michael

Published November 3, 2021


I love baked ziti.

What I'm sharing here is the easiest way I've found to make it. It might not be the fanciest, but the amount of effort it takes is very small, and the results will be very good.

The only ingredient that doesn't keep for a very long time here is the mozzarella cheese, but even that is usually good for about a month in the fridge, so you can keep the ingredients on hand and throw this together whenever you want.

Pro tip: Putting the mozzarella in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before cutting makes it a little bit easier. you can do this while your pasta is cooking!

Easy Weeknight Baked Ziti

Ingredients

  • 1 lb box of ziti
  • 1 lb block whole milk low moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1 jar of pasta sauce from the grocery store, I use Rao's
  • Parmagiano Reggiano for grating on top
  • Optional: Dried oregano, basil and chili flakes for sprinkling on top, or any other zesty italian herbs you like

Preparation

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. Cook the ziti to 'al dente' according to the box.

  3. Mix in a large mixing bowl with 1 jar of pasta sauce and most of the mozzarella cheese cubes.

  4. Pour this mixture into a baking dish big enough to hold it.

  5. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese cubes and grate some Parmagiano Reggiano over the top.

  6. If you have any dried zesty Italian herbs like oregano, basil, or chili flakes on hand, feel free to sprinkle on top to your taste.

  7. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.

  8. Remove foil and broil on low until cheese on top is browned to your liking.

    baked ziti