Tomato-Basil Baked Ziti with Mozzarella
An oven-baked ziti pasta dish layered with tangy tomato sauce, fresh basil, and melted mozzarella cheese for a satisfying vegetarian dinner. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs ziti pasta, olive oil, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 14 oz ziti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 14 oz ziti pasta, and cook for 8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce and mix well to combine.
- Step 5: Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella over the layer. Add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan.
- Step 6: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly with lightly golden edges. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Baked Ziti with Mozzarella take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Tomato-Basil Baked Ziti with Mozzarella?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ziti pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Basil Baked Ziti with 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 Tomato-Basil Baked Ziti with 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.
Is Tomato-Basil Baked Ziti with Mozzarella vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
