Baked Italian-Style Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Mozzarella
Tender pasta baked in a rich tomato basil sauce layered with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a comforting Italian meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes blends ziti pasta, olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz ziti pasta and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using) to the onions, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried oregano. Simmer sauce uncovered over low heat for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Toss the drained ziti into the sauce and mix until pasta is evenly coated.
- Step 6: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan evenly over the layer. Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Italian-Style Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Mozzarella take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Baked Italian-Style Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Mozzarella?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Italian-Style Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Mozzarella?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Italian-Style Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Mozzarella for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Italian-Style Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce and Mozzarella?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
