This One Pot Cheesy Ziti is the ultimate comfort dish creamy, rich, and loaded with melty mozzarella in every bite. Everything cooks together in a single pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want bold flavor without the cleanup. The pasta absorbs all the savory tomato and herb goodness, creating a cozy, satisfying meal your family will want again and again.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown for 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the ziti pasta, stir well, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Variation
- Swap the ground beef or sausage with ground turkey for a lighter, leaner version.
- Stir in a cup of ricotta cheese at the end for an extra-creamy, baked-ziti flavor.
- Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a heartier one-pot meal.
Cooking Notes
- If the sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of broth to keep the pasta perfectly creamy.
- Stir the pot every few minutes while simmering to prevent the ziti from sticking to the bottom.
- For a richer flavor, brown the meat until deeply caramelized before adding the tomatoes and broth.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or warm buttered rolls to soak up the cheesy sauce.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Top with extra mozzarella and broil briefly for a gooey, baked-style finish.
Tips
- Grate your own mozzarella for the best melt and creaminess.
- Taste and adjust salt at the end since cheeses add their own saltiness.
- Leftovers thicken as they cool add a little broth when reheating to restore creaminess.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 720mg
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well just adjust simmering time as needed. -
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess. -
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes simply skip the meat or replace it with plant-based sausage. -
Will this work with gluten-free pasta?
It can, but keep an eye on the pot. Gluten-free pasta cooks faster and may need extra broth.
Conclusion
This One Pot Cheesy Ziti brings together everything you love about classic comfort food rich flavor, creamy texture, and minimal cleanup. It’s an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner that feels cozy, hearty, and irresistibly cheesy every single time. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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One Pot Cheesy Ziti
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Cheesy Ziti is the ultimate comfort dish creamy, rich, and loaded with melty mozzarella in every bite. Everything cooks together in a single pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want bold flavor without the cleanup. The pasta absorbs all the savory tomato and herb goodness, creating a cozy, satisfying meal your family will want again and again.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown for 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the ziti pasta, stir well, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta at the end.
- Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for more veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: One-Pot Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cheesy ziti, one pot pasta, skillet ziti, easy pasta dinner