Fast Fake Baked Ziti recipe offers a quick and delicious alternative to traditional baked ziti. Using simple ingredients like pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese, it comes together in just minutes. You can easily customize it with your favorite proteins or vegetables for extra flavor.

The beauty of this dish lies in its convenience, as it skips the lengthy baking process. Instead, everything is combined in one pot and heated until perfectly melded. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner for those looking to enjoy a comforting Italian meal without the fuss.

This recipe is not only fast but also highly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, it’s an easy way to serve up a hearty meal with minimal effort. You’ll love the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!

Fast Fake Baked Ziti Recipe

Quick and easy Fake Baked Ziti recipe for a delicious, cheesy pasta dish in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 13

Cook Time 17

Total Time 30

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 199 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups of your favorite marinara sauce I like using one with a hint of Burgundy wine, such as Bertoli
1 pound of ziti rigate pasta
2 tablespoons of butter
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
A pinch of ground nutmeg
2 cups of milk
½ cup of shredded Asiago cheese
½ cup of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 cup of fresh mozzarella thinly sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Boil the Pasta Water

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.

Add Salt and Pasta

Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt and then the pasta. Cook until al dente (firm to the bite).

Start the Cheese Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Make a Roux

Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Add Milk and Simmer

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.

Add Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded cheese until fully melted and smooth. Set aside.

Drain Pasta

Once cooked, drain the pasta and transfer it to a large casserole or baking dish.

Mix with Tomato Sauce

Pour tomato sauce over the pasta and toss until evenly coated.

Add Cheese Sauce

Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture, spreading it evenly.

Top with Mozzarella

Arrange slices of fresh mozzarella on top.

Broil Until Golden

Place the dish under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until the mozzarella is bubbly and golden brown.