Simple Baked Ziti for Two

Cooking dinner for two can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle. Most pasta recipes serve a crowd, leaving you with way too many leftovers or the hassle of scaling down ingredients. And let’s be honest – after a long day at work, the last thing you want is complicated math or a fridge full of containers you’ll never finish.

That’s where this baked ziti for two comes in: it’s perfectly portioned for a cozy dinner, easy to put together on busy weeknights, and gives you that warm, comforting pasta dish without days of repeats in the fridge.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While this recipe calls for ziti, you’ve actually got several options when it comes to the pasta shape. Ziti is a smooth, tube-shaped pasta that’s perfect for catching sauce and cheese in its hollow center, but you can easily swap it out with penne, rigatoni, or even mostaccioli if that’s what you have in your pantry. The main thing to look for is a sturdy, medium-sized tube pasta that can stand up to the hearty sauce and cheese. For the best results, make sure to cook your pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking a bit more in the oven – nobody likes mushy pasta! And here’s a helpful tip: if you’re buying ziti, you might notice it comes in regular or rigati (ridged) versions – either works great, though the ridged kind will grip the sauce a little better.

Options for Substitutions

This cozy pasta dish is pretty adaptable – here are some swaps you can try:

• Ziti pasta: Can’t find ziti? No worries! Penne, rigatoni, or even regular tube pasta work just fine here. Just make sure to use a pasta shape that can hold the sauce well.
• Italian sausage: Ground beef works great as mentioned, but you could also use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. If using leaner meats, add a tablespoon of olive oil when cooking.
• Marinara sauce: Store-bought marinara is quick and easy, but you can use any tomato-based pasta sauce you have. Even crushed tomatoes with some Italian seasoning will do the trick.
• Ricotta cheese: Cottage cheese is a good swap as noted, but you can also use cream cheese or mascarpone for a different twist. If using cottage cheese, give it a quick blend for a smoother texture.
• Mozzarella: While mozzarella gives that classic stretch, you can use provolone, fontina, or a mix of Italian cheeses. Just avoid hard aged cheeses as your main cheese as they won’t melt the same way.
• Parmesan: Romano or Pecorino work just as well here. You could even use Asiago if that’s what you have in your fridge.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest mistake when making baked ziti is overcooking the pasta before it goes into the oven – aim to cook it 2-3 minutes less than the package directions suggest, as it will continue to cook while baking and absorb sauce in the oven.

Another common error is layering the ingredients without properly seasoning each layer, so be sure to add a pinch of salt and pepper between layers, and don’t forget to save some mozzarella for the top to achieve that golden-brown, bubbly crust.

To prevent your ziti from drying out, make sure there’s enough sauce to coat the pasta generously – if your sauce seems too thick, you can thin it slightly with a splash of pasta water before assembling.

For the best texture, let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes after coming out of the oven, which allows the cheese to set and makes it much easier to serve without the filling running everywhere.

What to Serve With Baked Ziti?

This cozy pasta dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad dressed in Italian vinaigrette – the fresh, crisp lettuce helps balance out the rich, cheesy pasta. If you’re craving some extra veggies, try roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans with garlic, which taste great alongside the tomato sauce and melted cheese. For the complete Italian dinner experience, warm up some crusty garlic bread or breadsticks to help soak up any extra sauce on your plate. Keep in mind that since baked ziti is already pretty filling, you’ll want to keep your sides on the lighter side!

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This baked ziti stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The pasta might absorb some of the sauce as it sits, but that just means the flavors get even better the next day! It’s perfect for making on Sunday and enjoying throughout the week.

Freeze: You can freeze this pasta dish for up to 3 months! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. I like to divide it into smaller portions before freezing – it makes reheating much easier.

Reheat: To warm up your ziti, pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For better results, heat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If it seems a bit dry, just add a splash of marinara sauce before reheating.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	20-25 minutes
Total Time	35-45 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1600-1800
• Protein: 85-95 g
• Fat: 80-90 g
• Carbohydrates: 170-190 g

Ingredients

• 3 cups dry ziti pasta
• 1/2 pound ground italian sausage (or alternatively, ground beef)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or use small curd cottage cheese)
• 8 ounces shredded mozzarella (equivalent to 2 cups)
• Chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley for garnish (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

While the oven is warming up, spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Ziti Noodles

Cook the ziti noodles according to the directions on the package.

Once they are cooked to al dente, drain them well and set aside.

This will be an essential part of your baked ziti dish.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage and Prepare the Sauce

As the ziti cooks, place a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sausage.

Break it into crumbles and cook until there is no pink left, about 10 minutes.

If there is excess grease, drain it off.

Stir in the pasta sauce and Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.

Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked ziti noodles to the skillet with the sausage mixture and gently toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.

Once well-mixed, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Ziti in the Baking Dish

Begin layering your dish by adding half of the ziti mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Spread the ricotta cheese over this layer evenly, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.

Add the remaining ziti mixture on top and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese, ensuring it covers the top completely for a delicious cheesy finish.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Place the assembled ziti in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and starts to brown.

Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for a comforting and hearty meal.