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Let me tell you, this baked ziti for two is everything when you want comfort food with a little extra kick. It’s cheesy, hearty, and perfect for those days when you need a big bowl of pasta to warm your soul—but you know I had to bring the heat with that spicy Arrabiata sauce!
I love comforting dishes when the chilly weather approaches. But, I have a two family household, so a smaller portion of this baked ziti is perfect for us.
While there are four servings in this recipe, it can be two or more, it really just depends on how much you eat. My husband for instance can eat half of this in one sitting haha.
If you love this recipe, check out my Beef Stew for Two.
What is Arrabiata sauce?
Arrabiata sauce is a spicy marinara made with tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes. It adds a bold kick to this dish, making it perfect for those who love heat.
My favorite store brand Arrabiata sauce is from Carbone. It can be a bit pricey but when it’s on sale, I make sure to snag a few jars.
Ingredients for baked ziti for two
Ziti noodles: The base of this dish. Ziti holds up well in baking, and the hollow shape captures all that sauce.
Ground beef: Adds heartiness and depth to the dish. You can substitute with ground turkey or leave it out for a vegetarian version.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors in both the beef and sauce.
Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano and basil that complements the sauce and beef, adding that classic Italian flavor.
Garlic: Adds aromatic richness and savory depth to the sauce.
Onion powder: For a subtle onion flavor without needing to chop any onions.
Red pepper flakes: These turn up the heat and enhance the spiciness of the Arrabiata sauce. Adjust to your heat preference!
Arrabiata sauce: The star of the show! This spicy marinara sauce gives the dish its bold, fiery flavor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness that complements the sauce and adds a layer of savory goodness.
Ricotta cheese: Creamy and mild, it balances the spiciness of the Arrabiata sauce and adds a soft texture to each bite.
Mozzarella cheese: The melty, gooey layer that makes each bite of ziti irresistible. You can never have too much!
Parsley or Basil: A fresh garnish to brighten the dish and add a pop of color.
How to make baked ziti for two
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease an 8×8 baking dish. Cook the ziti noodles until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Brown the ground beef in a skillet, drain any excess fat, then add garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, red pepper flakes, Arrabiata sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine, then mix in the ziti noodles.
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the ziti, ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy!
The full recipe with measurements is below on the recipe card.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes! Simply leave out the ground beef. The Arrabiata sauce and cheeses are flavorful enough on their own to keep the dish delicious and satisfying.
Garlic bread or a side salad pairs perfectly with this spicy baked ziti. The fresh salad helps balance the richness, while garlic bread is great for soaking up any extra sauce.
You can dial down the heat by reducing the red pepper flakes or using a milder marinara sauce instead of Arrabiata. If you want to kick it up, add extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce!
Baked Ziti for Two
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups ziti noodles
- ¾ lb Ground beef
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cups Arrabiata sauce, 24 oz jar
- ½ c Parmesan, grated
- 1 c Ricotta
- 3 cups Mozzarella , shredded
- Parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Grease an 8×8 baking dish.
- Boil water in a small saucepan. Cook the ziti noodles according to the package, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat a pan over medium heat. Brown the ground beef and drain. Add in the seasonings, chili flakes, garlic, pasta sauce and parmesan cheese. Stir to combine.
- Remove the pan from the heat, then add in the ziti noodles and stir.
- Add half of the ziti to the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ricotta and mozzarella. Then top with remaining ziti then another layer of ricotta and mozzarella.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for a little bit before serving.
- Top with freshly chopped basil or parsley, eat and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the ground beef for Italian ground sausage
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
It is so delicious. Favorite dish. I wish you would publish a cook book. I’d buy it immediately.
Thank you Laura! I’m so happy you liked this recipe. =)