Lazy Baked Ziti Soup (One-Pot Comfort That Hits Every Time)

There are recipes that are good… and then there are recipes that make everyone at the table stop talking after the first bite.

This Lazy Baked Ziti Soup is one of those.

I wanted all the cozy, cheesy comfort of baked ziti without turning on the oven, layering pasta, or dealing with a sink full of dishes. What I didn’t expect was for my husband to take one bite, look up, and say, “Yeah… this is insane.” That’s how I knew this one was special.

It’s rich, saucy, and creamy in all the right ways—but still easy enough for a weeknight. One pot. No baking. No fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavor of baked ziti, none of the work

• One pot = minimal cleanup

• Cozy, cheesy, and satisfying

• Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays

• Family-approved (and husband-tested)

This soup gives you tender pasta, a bold tomato base, creamy cheese, and that unmistakable Italian comfort—all spoonable and crave-worthy.

The Secret Ingredient (That Changes Nothing—but Makes It Better)

I finish this soup with Vitauthority Bone Broth Collagen, and here’s why I love using it:

• It dissolves completely

• It doesn’t change the taste or texture

• It adds protein effortlessly

You’d never know it’s in there—but it quietly makes the soup more nourishing without extra steps, which is always a win in my kitchen.

How This Comes Together

You start by browning your protein and building flavor with onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. From there, everything simmers together in one pot—marinara, broth, pasta—until the ziti is perfectly tender and the soup thickens into that rich, comforting consistency.

At the end, cream and ricotta go in for that baked-ziti feel, and the result is something that tastes like it cooked all day… even though it didn’t.

Top it with melty mozzarella, a little Parmesan, and fresh herbs, and it’s honestly chef’s kiss.

When to Make This

• When you want comfort food without the effort

• When you’re tired of deciding what’s for dinner

• When you want something cozy but impressive

• When you want a recipe that everyone loves

This is the kind of meal that makes people ask for seconds—and then ask for the recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Lazy Baked Ziti Soup has officially earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. It’s warm, indulgent, easy, and genuinely one of the best things I’ve made lately.

The best recipe ever. Chef’s kiss.

If you try it, let me know—because I already know it’s going to be a hit in your house too.

Print

Lazy Baked Ziti Soup (One-Pot)

Yield 4-6

Author Kim Alexander

Prep time

10 Min

Cook time

20 Min

Total time

30 Min

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Base

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) or ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Soup

• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1–2 scoops Vitauthority Bone Broth Collagen (unflavored)
• 1 cup water, as needed
• 8 oz ziti pasta, uncooked

Creamy Finish

• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup ricotta cheese

For Serving

• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the sausage or beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in marinara sauce and broth. Whisk in the bone broth collagen until fully dissolved.
4. Bring to a gentle boil. Add uncooked ziti, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. Add water if needed.
5. Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and ricotta until smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.

Notes

• For extra cheesiness, stir shredded mozzarella directly into the soup before serving.
• Add spinach or kale at the end for a veggie boost.
• Soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth when reheating.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

828

Fat

50 g

Sat. Fat

20 g

Carbs

58 g

Fiber

5 g

Net carbs

53 g

Sugar

10 g

Protein

36 g

Sodium

2754 mg

Cholesterol

118 mg

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