One Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

This One Pot Baked Ziti is everything you love about the traditional Italian dish, all made in one pot and under 30 minutes! It’s made with Italian sausage, spinach, tomatoes, ziti noodles, and gooey cheese for an easy weeknight dinner. 

If you love Italian food as much as I do, you have to try this Chicken Parmesan Recipe, Easy Lasagna Recipe and this Pasta Carbonara Recipe!

Simpler than a traditional Baked Ziti, this one-pot recipe has everything we love about the classic dish! Everything cooks together, from the sausage to the pasta, making cleanup a breeze. 

Perfect for weeknight meals or when you need easy comfort food!

Why we love this cheesy Baked Ziti recipe:

• Quick: This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes!
• Easy clean up: You only have to clean one pot, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights!
• Comfort food: This recipe has all the same flavors you love about traditional Baked Ziti but is made in one pot.

Easy Baked Ziti recipe ingredients:

• Italian sausage: I removed the sausages from the casings for this recipe, but you could also use ground sausage. Mild, spicy, or sweet Italian sausage works great!
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic create a flavorful base for this dish. 
• Spices: A simple blend of oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes creates a well-rounded flavor!
• Low-sodium chicken broth: This helps cook the noodles right in the pot. 
• Veggies: I use a combination of crushed tomatoes and frozen spinach to add in some veggies! I like to use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce, but diced tomatoes could work, too.
• Penne or ziti pasta: Use any kind of short pasta you like for this recipe. If you want a heartier dish, you can use whole wheat pasta. 
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: This creates that ooey-gooey melty layer on top!
• Granulated sugar (optional): This is optional to balance out any bitterness, but the dish is still great without it!
• Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving.

How to make One-Pot Baked Ziti:

This entire recipe is made in one pot, so you know it’s easy-peasy! For the full list of recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card.

• Remove sausage from casings and cook with diced onion until softened.
• Add garlic and spices, cooking for a minute or two.

• Stir in broth, crushed tomatoes, and spinach, then bring to a simmer.
• Add uncooked pasta, reduce to low heat, and cook until pasta is al dente, stirring often.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Italian sausage is a classic choice for Baked Ziti, but you can keep things lean with turkey or chicken sausage instead! You could also use ground beef if you like. 
• Spices: Instead of using various spices, you could swap them for Italian seasoning. You can also use fresh basil and parsley for a more intense flavor!
• Ricotta: Add a few dollops of ricotta cheese to the top with the mozzarella until it gets all melty.
• Tomato sauce: Swap the crushed tomatoes for a jar of your favorite marinara sauce!
• Spinach: If you’re not a fan of spinach, feel free to leave it out. 

How to store One Pot Baked Ziti:

Store leftover One Pot Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, portion out a serving on a plate or in a skillet, add a splash of water and heat on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Serving suggestions:

Serve this hearty meal with some homemade Garlic Bread or Artisan Bread to scoop up the cheesy, meaty goodness! If you want to keep things light, serve up a salad or Roasted Green Beans on the side. 

More one-pot meals you’ll love:

• One Pot American Goulash — a family favorite!
• One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe — for a twist on taco night.
• One Pot Turkey Tetrazzini Recipe — creamy comfort food.
• Healthier One Pot Skillet Lasagna — get those extra veggies in!