• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Pork
  • Seafood
  • Sides
  • Dessert
The Seasoned Mom
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
  • Contact
    • Disclosure
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » What We're Eating » Dump-and-Bake 3-Cheese Baked Ziti

    Dump-and-Bake 3-Cheese Baked Ziti

    Published: Sep 15, 2017 by Blair Lonergan

    Jump to Recipe
    A collage image of baked ziti

    You don't even have to boil the pasta for this quick and easy Dump-and-Bake 3-Cheese Baked Ziti! Just stir all of the uncooked ingredients together in the dish, cover it with foil, and pop it in the oven. Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier!

    A side shot of baked ziti in a blue baking dish

    I'm raising a family of pasta lovers! I swear, my husband and my 3 boys could eat some variety of spaghetti, pesto rotelle, or fettuccini Alfredo every single night of the week. But you know what? Baked Ziti has never been on my go-to list...until now.

    I just always assumed that Baked Ziti was kind of like lasagna -- a lot of prep work, multiple steps involved, and a ton of dirty dishes at the end. WRONG!

    At least, not with my dump-and-bake version!

    An overhead shot of baked ziti in a baking dish with serving spoons

    When I decided that I wanted to create a quick-prep twist on the classic 3-Cheese Baked Ziti, I knew that I was stepping out of my comfort zone.

    I wasn't sure how the cheese mixture would set up in the oven as the pasta baked in the marinara sauce, and I was fully prepared to trash the final product and try again if it wasn't an initial success.

    A side shot of baked ziti in a casserole dish

    Easy Dump and Bake Dinners

    I'm happy to report, however, that I have apparently become a Dump-and-Bake Dinner Pro. Is that a "thing?" Because if it's a "thing," then I'm definitely one of them.

    I just can't get enough of these ultra-easy meals that cook in one dish without any pre-boiling the pasta, washing pots and pans, or slaving over a hot stove. You might just call me lazy? Or busy? Yes and yes!

    A close up of baked ziti in a baking dish topped with a herb garnish

    This hearty, soul-satisfying vegetarian one-dish meal comes together in a matter of minutes and my job is done! It's delicious served with a green salad and some garlic bread if you have the time or desire, but it's certainly not necessary.

    This Dump-and-Bake 3-Cheese Baked Ziti is a new way to prepare an old favorite -- and there's no going back to the original once you've had a taste!

    Cooking Just for Two?

    You can cut all of the ingredients in half and prepare one smaller casserole. Just bake in an 8-inch square pan. The cooking instructions remain the same.

    A close up of baked ziti in a baking dish

    Extra Tips For Making Baked Ziti

    • Don't have mozzarella? Use cheddar instead or another good melting cheese
    • Try adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
    • Store this baked ziti in the fridge for a few days it makes great leftovers
    • Feel free to add extra fresh or dried herbs such as basil or parsley
    • You could also try adding cooked sausage, chicken or bacon

    More Pasta Recipes You Might Like;

    • Dump and Bake Pasta Puttanesca
    • Taco Pasta Casserole
    • Garlic and Herb Shrimp Pasta
    • B.L.T Pasta Salad
    A close up of baked ziti
    Print Pin
    4.8 from 10 votes

    Dump-and-Bake 3-Cheese Baked Ziti

    A foolproof easy dinner all made in one dish, you don't even need to boil the pasta!
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine Italian
    Keyword baked ziti, Pasta Bake
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 45 minutes
    Total Time 55 minutes
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 370kcal
    Author The Seasoned Mom

    Ingredients

    • 1 16 ounce package uncooked ziti pasta
    • 1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
    • 3 cups water
    • 16 ounces 2 cups cottage cheese
    • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
    • 1 egg
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • Pinch of pepper
    • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 425F (220C). Spray a large baking dish (about 9 x 13-inches) with cooking spray.
    • In a small bowl, stir together cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Set aside.
    • In a separate bowl, stir together uncooked ziti, marinara sauce, and water. Ladle half of the ziti mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
    • Pour cottage cheese mixture over the pasta in an even layer.
    • Top with remaining pasta and sauce mixture.
    • Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
    • Uncover and stir gently. At this point you should check the pasta to make sure that it is al dente (firm but just about finished cooking). If it’s still too hard, cover the dish and return to the oven until pasta is al dente. Then move on to the next step.
    • Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and bake uncovered for 5-10 more minutes (or until cheese is melted and pasta is tender).

    Notes

    Cooking Just for Two? You can cut all of the ingredients in half and prepare one smaller casserole. Just bake in an 8-inch square pan. The cooking instructions remain the same.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1/8 of the recipe | Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 22.4g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4.3g | Cholesterol: 43mg | Sodium: 710mg | Fiber: 6.6g | Sugar: 5.4g
    « 3-Ingredient Tuna Casserole
    3-Ingredient Crispy Seasoned Red Potatoes »

    Follow The Seasoned Mom on Instagram and show us what you're making! Use hashtag #theseasonedmom

    LIKE THIS POST? THEN STICK AROUND!

    GET FREE EMAIL UPDATES WITH EASY, QUICK-PREP RECIPES THAT ELIMINATE MEALTIME STRESS!

    Success! Now before I can send you the free 10-Minute Miracles download, you need to check your email to confirm your subscription. That confirmation email should be waiting for you in your inbox!

    There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

    Powered by ConvertKit

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bonnie C

      September 30, 2020 at 12:09 pm

      4 stars
      This had nice flavor and was super easy to prepare. Followed recipe using whole wheat pasta and added some vegetarian crumbles to the sauce. Mine came out a bit on the dry side - easily remedied with ladling sauce over each serving; but, I would definitely add more sauce or water to the original mix next time.

      Reply
    2. Sierra Gwinn

      November 14, 2020 at 2:33 pm

      Are there any adjustments I need to make if I double this recipe? Need to cook for about 15 people. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Blair

        November 14, 2020 at 3:21 pm

        Hi, Sierra! No, you shouldn't need to adjust anything. Just double all of the ingredients and bake in two separate dishes or one HUGE dish. If you bake it all in one huge dish, you might need to increase the baking time slightly, but I'd just check it and see. Enjoy!

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I'm Blair!

    Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you'll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It's down-home, country-style cooking!

    Read More

    Want Quick-Prep Recipes?

    Sign up for my exclusive emails and get this free guide!

    Success! Now before I can send you the free 10-Minute Miracles download, you need to check your email to confirm your subscription. That confirmation email should be waiting for you in your inbox!

    There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

    No spam guaranteed. Unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

    © 2017–2022 The Seasoned Mom     About     Privacy