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

Scale

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