Toaster Oven Baked Ziti for Two
Enjoy a cozy dinner for two with this easy toaster oven baked ziti, featuring layers of tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese.
Why This Works in a Toaster Oven
This recipe is perfect for a toaster oven because it uses a small baking dish and requires less energy than a full-size oven, making it ideal for a quick and easy dinner.
Toaster Oven Setup
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Setting: Bake
- Convection: No
- Rack Position: Middle
- Pan Size: 8 x 6 in (20 x 15 cm)
- Batch Size: 2 servings
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Rotate Pan: Yes, halfway through
- Ready When: The cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown
💡 No convection setting? You're all set — this recipe uses the regular Bake setting, so any toaster oven can make it, with or without a convection button.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (113 g) uncooked ziti pasta
- 1 cup (240 ml) marinara sauce
- 1 cup (113 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (28 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup (28 g) ricotta cheese
Equipment
- Toaster oven
- 8 x 6 in (20 x 15 cm) baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Preheat the toaster oven to 375°F with the rack in the middle position.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to an 8 x 6 in (20 x 15 cm) baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, top with fresh basil and dollops of ricotta cheese.
- Dig into this cheesy, comforting baked ziti and enjoy a delightful dinner for two!
How to Know It's Ready
The cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
Troubleshooting
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last few minutes.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- If using convection, reduce the temperature to 350°F and start checking 5 minutes early.
- For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until warmed through.
Variations
- Add cooked ground beef or sausage for a meatier dish.
- Use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti for variety.
- Include sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Substitute half of the mozzarella with provolone for a different flavor.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
The recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach.
Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for convenience.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.