If you’re craving a cheesy, comforting pasta bake but don’t want to deal with boiling noodles, this No-Boil Baked Ziti is the perfect solution! With just five ingredients, minimal prep, and one baking dish, you’ll have a delicious, bubbling pasta dish in no time.
The secret to this ultra-easy baked ziti is allowing the pasta to cook in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors while becoming perfectly tender. No extra pots or strainers needed! Just mix everything in a single baking dish, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the cheesy goodness.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this no-boil baked ziti is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the simplest, most delicious way to enjoy baked pasta!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
- No-Boil Pasta! Skip the extra step of boiling noodles. The pasta absorbs moisture from the sauce as it bakes.
- Only Five Ingredients. No long grocery lists—just pasta, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- One Dish, Minimal Cleanup. Everything goes into a single baking dish, saving time on cleanup.
- Cheesy and Flavorful. A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes this dish incredibly rich and creamy.
- Customizable. Add spinach, mushrooms, or protein like sausage or tofu to switch things up.
- Perfect for Meal Prep. Make it ahead and reheat for an easy, satisfying meal anytime.
- Kid-Friendly. A family-favorite meal that’s simple, delicious, and always a hit.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz uncooked ziti pasta
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment Used:
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
Directions & Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or nonstick spray.
2. Assemble the Ziti:
- In the baking dish, spread half the marinara sauce to coat the bottom.
- Add uncooked ziti pasta and spread it evenly.
- Dollop ricotta cheese over the pasta, distributing it evenly.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over everything, ensuring the pasta is fully covered.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
3. Bake Covered:
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam.
- Bake for 40 minutes to allow the pasta to cook in the sauce.
4. Finish with Cheese:
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese and ½ cup Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Nutritional Information
Per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
This no-boil baked ziti is packed with protein and fiber, making it a hearty, well-balanced meal. The cheese provides calcium, and using a high-quality marinara sauce adds antioxidants from tomatoes. For a lower-fat version, opt for part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.
Prep Time and Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations:
- Make It Vegan: Use vegan cheese and ricotta alternatives.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked ground beef, sausage, or tofu before baking.
- Boost the Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Penne or rigatoni work well, but you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
2. Do I need to add water?
No! The pasta cooks in the sauce, so no extra liquid is required.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Pro Tips By Lyndy
- Use a good-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Cover tightly with foil to keep the moisture in while baking.
- Let the baked ziti rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil on top for extra richness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Pair with garlic bread or homemade focaccia.
- Enjoy with a glass of red wine or sparkling water.
No-Boil Baked Ziti – The Easiest Cheesy Pasta Bake
If you’re craving a cheesy, comforting pasta bake but don’t want to deal with boiling noodles, this No-Boil Baked Ziti is the perfect solution!
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Measuring cups
- Mixing spoon
- 12 oz uncooked ziti pasta
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little oil or nonstick spray.
- Assemble the Ziti:
- In the baking dish, spread half the marinara sauce to coat the bottom.
- Add uncooked ziti pasta and spread it evenly.
- Dollop ricotta cheese over the pasta, distributing it evenly.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over everything, ensuring the pasta is fully covered.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake Covered:
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam.
- Bake for 40 minutes to allow the pasta to cook in the sauce.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese and ½ cup Parmesan on top.
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Use a good-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
Cover tightly with foil to keep the moisture in while baking.
Let the baked ziti rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
