21 Quick Baked Ziti Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less!
21 Quick Baked Ziti Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes or Less!
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a hearty plate of baked ziti. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, blending gooey cheese, savory sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into a dish that’s as satisfying as it is versatile.
Here are 21 quick baked ziti recipes, each prepared in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed to bring a burst of flavor to your table. Let’s dive into the delicious details.
Classic Quick Baked Ziti Recipe
This classic baked ziti recipe delivers all the comforting flavors in just half an hour.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Boil the ziti: Cook the ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, usually about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the cheese: In a large bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Layer the ziti: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish, then add half the cooked ziti. Top with half the cheese mixture and half the sauce. Repeat layers.
- Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Cheesy Chicken Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Directions:
- Mix marinara and Alfredo sauces for a creamy twist.
- Toss cooked ziti with shredded chicken and sauce mix.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly.
Vegetarian Spinach and Mushroom Ziti
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Cook the ziti and sauté the mushrooms until golden brown.
- Combine the pasta, spinach, mushrooms, and marinara.
- Layer with ricotta and mozzarella, then bake.
Spicy Sausage and Pepper Ziti
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 cup cooked Italian sausage, sliced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup diced bell peppers
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Toss pasta with sausage, marinara, peppers, and chili flakes.
- Add to a dish, cover with cheese, and bake until golden.
Creamy Ricotta and Basil Ziti
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup basil pesto
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 cup mozzarella
Directions:
- Mix cooked ziti with ricotta and pesto.
- Layer with mozzarella and Parmesan, then bake.
Loaded Veggie Ziti
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup marinara
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
Directions:
- Sauté zucchini and tomatoes.
- Mix with cooked ziti and layer with ricotta and marinara.
Quick One-Pot Baked Ziti
Skip the fuss and save time with this one-pot baked ziti.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella
Directions:
- Combine ziti, marinara, and water in a pot.
- Cook until pasta is tender.
- Top with cheese and bake.
Zesty Mexican Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup black beans
- ½ cup sour cream
Directions:
- Combine ziti with salsa, beans, and sour cream.
- Top with cheddar and bake.
BBQ Chicken Ziti Bake
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup cooked chicken
- 1 cup cheddar
Directions:
- Mix cooked ziti with BBQ sauce and chicken.
- Top with cheddar and bake.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Ziti
Ingredients:
- 12 oz ziti
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup Alfredo sauce
- 1 tsp minced garlic
Directions:
- Toss cooked ziti with shrimp, lemon juice, and Alfredo sauce.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
Gluten-Free Baked Ziti
Ingredients:
- 12 oz gluten-free pasta
- 2 cups marinara
- 1 cup ricotta
Directions:
- Substitute gluten-free ziti and prepare as usual.
For more incredible recipes, feel free to adapt these quick baked ziti recipes with your favorite flavors and ingredients! These dishes are perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or a quick comfort food fix.
