Go Back

Oven Baked 3 Ingredients Lazy Monterey Jack Ziti

A quick and delicious meal with just three simple ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound dry ziti pasta
  • 24 ounces pasta sauce
  • 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just shy of tender, about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well.
  3. In a large bowl, stir the hot drained ziti with the pasta sauce and 2 cups of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until evenly coated.
Baking
  1. Spread the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
  2. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the edges are bubbling. For a deeper golden top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  3. Let the ziti rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it can set up a bit and scoop neatly.

Notes

Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Top with fresh herbs for added flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave in individual portions until hot. Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.