Bellevue-Bound Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce
A comforting baked pasta dish with a zesty tomato basil sauce, ideal for a cozy dinner after a long commute. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 70 minutes blends ziti pasta, tomato sauce, fresh basil 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 520 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 14 oz tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, cook ziti pasta according to package instructions, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, basil, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Step 3: Layer cooked ziti, sauce, and parmesan cheese in a baking dish. Pour reserved pasta water over the top to create a creamy texture. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Bellevue-Bound Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Bellevue-Bound Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce?
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 Bellevue-Bound Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce?
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 Bellevue-Bound Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Bellevue-Bound Baked Ziti with Tomato Basil Sauce?
Italian quick meals 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better general dishes though.
