Irresistible One Pan Pizza Baked Ziti Recipe

Name: One Pan Pizza Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz ziti pasta; 24 oz marinara sauce; 1 lb ground Italian sausage (spicy or sweet); 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color); 1 cup chopped yellow onion; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Ruth

Posted:

January 8, 2026

Updated:

January 8, 2026

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When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite hits the spot like one pan pizza baked ziti. Picture this: cheesy, gooey pasta mingling with tangy marinara sauce, all topped with a golden layer of bubbling cheese. It’s like a pizza party and a pasta night had a delicious baby that you can eat straight from the pan.

This dish is perfect for those chaotic weeknights when you want to impress your family without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, every bite will have them begging for seconds—the only challenge will be keeping enough leftovers for lunch the next day!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This one pan pizza baked ziti is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and cleanup
The flavor profile combines classic pizza and comforting pasta in a delicious way
Its visual appeal makes it an attractive centerpiece for any dinner table
Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s sure to please everyone at the table

It was a rainy Saturday afternoon when I first made one pan pizza baked ziti for my family. The kids rushed into the kitchen, drawn by the aroma wafting through our home—let’s just say there were no leftovers that day!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Ziti Pasta: Opt for medium-sized ziti; it holds sauce well and cooks evenly in the oven.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred variety or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious; both work great.
Italian Sausage: Ground sausage adds a savory punch; feel free to use spicy or sweet based on your preference.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Look for whole milk mozzarella for that melty stretch we all crave.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan gives an extra depth of flavor—skip pre-grated if you can.
Bell Peppers: Adding chopped bell peppers brings color and crunch; choose vibrant ones for visual appeal.
Onion: Use yellow or sweet onions to add sweetness and depth when caramelized.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates flavors, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma while cooking.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil will enhance that classic pizza flavor.
Olive Oil: Just a splash helps sauté the vegetables and prevent sticking in your pan.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance flavors throughout the dish; adjust according to taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for one pan pizza baked ziti

How to Make one pan pizza baked ziti

Preheat Your Oven : Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish and set it aside.

Sauté Vegetables : In your oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they soften and release their sweet aroma—about 5 minutes.

Add Sausage & Garlic : Stir in the ground Italian sausage along with minced garlic. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks—this should take about 7-10 minutes.

Toss in Marinara Sauce & Pasta : Once the sausage is cooked through, pour in the marinara sauce along with uncooked ziti pasta. Mix well so every piece of pasta gets coated in that glorious tomato goodness.

Add Cheese & Seasonings : Stir in half of the mozzarella cheese along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Ensure it’s well combined—you want each bite bursting with flavor.

Bake Until Golden : Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top during the last five minutes of baking for that perfect melty finish.

Now that you’ve mastered one pan pizza baked ziti, gather around with friends or family, serve it piping hot from the oven, and enjoy every cheesy bite!

You Must Know

Mastering the one pan pizza baked ziti means embracing the joy of simplicity
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, packed with flavor, and easy to prepare
The aroma of melting cheese and savory sauce wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta until al dente while preheating your oven. Sauté any veggies or protein in the same pan, then mix everything together with sauce and cheese before baking.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers for extra flavor. You can also swap out mozzarella for a sharper cheese if you desire a bolder taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover one pan pizza baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To achieve creamy goodness, avoid overcooking the pasta; it will soak up more sauce while baking
Use high-quality cheese that melts well for that gooey goodness
Don’t skimp on seasoning; it elevates every bite and packs a flavorful punch

Memories flood back when I think about my first attempt at this dish; I accidentally used too much garlic and my friends jokingly called it “vampire repellent,” but they loved it anyway.

FAQ

What is one pan pizza baked ziti?

One pan pizza baked ziti combines pasta, cheese, and sauce into a delicious baked dish.

Can I make one pan pizza baked ziti vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit meat and add more vegetables to enhance flavor and texture.

How long does it take to bake one pan pizza baked ziti?

Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

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