When I say this One-Pot Ziti Pasta is one of the easiest weeknight dinners ever, I mean it! With just a few simple ingredients and the robust flavors of garlic, basil, and oregano, this cheesy, comforting dish comes together in just 30 minutes — and the best part? Only one pot to clean!
This is a go-to for busy nights when everyone’s hungry and you don’t want a pile of dishes afterward.
🍝 What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- 1 jar (24 oz.) Traditional Pasta Sauce
- 2 cups Water
- 1 ½ tsp. Dried Basil Leaves
- 1 ½ tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp. Dried Oregano Leaves
- ¼ tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for a little kick)
- 3 cups Rigatoni (uncooked)
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
- 2 tbsp. Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Garlic Bread, optional for serving
👩🏽🍳 How to Make One-Pot Ziti Pasta
- Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or pot, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. - Add the Sauce & Seasonings
Stir in the pasta sauce, water, basil, garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil. - Add the Pasta
Stir in the uncooked rigatoni, mixing well to coat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender. - Make It Cheesy
Stir in 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the Parmesan cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella over the top, cover again, and let it sit for about 5 minutes — until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. - Serve & Enjoy!
Pair it with warm garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot = easy cleanup
- Ready in just 30 minutes
- Family-approved and hearty
- Customizable — add veggies or swap in ground turkey
📝 Quick Tip
For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving or drizzle a little olive oil over the finished dish.
