Easy Weeknight Dinner series: ONE PAN BAKED ZITI

From my “Easy Weeknight Dinners” series:

One-Pan Baked Ziti  - There’s just something about baked pasta that makes a house feel like home. I still remember the first night we were unpacking boxes in our Lake Norman home — the kitchen was barely set up, but I managed to throw together a simple baked ziti with what I had. We sat on boxes, eating with plastic forks, and it was perfect.

This one-pan version is a lifesaver on busy nights. It’s cheesy, hearty, and feeds a hungry family with minimal cleanup. And if you want to add a little local flavor, grab fresh basil and mozzarella from Josh’s Farmers Market in Mooresville — it really does make a difference.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil (optional but highly recommended!)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta just until al dente; drain.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the meat and season.
4. Stir in marinara and cooked pasta. Add ricotta and half the mozzarella.
5. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
6. Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
7. Top with chopped basil and serve warm.