If you are searching for a cozy, satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to those long January evenings, this Healthy Sheet Pan Dinner for January is exactly what you need. It’s a baked ziti dish that combines hearty pasta with rich marinara and gooey cheese to create a dish that feels indulgent without weighing you down. Perfect for cold winter nights, this recipe is simple enough for a quick weeknight supper yet impressive enough to share with family and friends who crave homey flavors and fuss-free cooking.

Healthy Sheet Pan Dinner for January - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward by focusing on a few star ingredients that each play a vital role. A good balance of textures, flavors, and colors makes this dish come alive with every bite.

Ziti: The tubular pasta holds sauce beautifully, ensuring each mouthful is richly coated and perfectly tender.
Marinara sauce: A vibrant, tomato-based sauce adds brightness and just the right hint of herbs and spices to complement the pasta’s mildness.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a creamy, stretchy topping that creates that irresistible golden crust.
Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty flavor that adds depth and an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

How to Make Healthy Sheet Pan Dinner for January

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling ziti in salted water until it’s just al dente. This is key because the pasta will finish cooking in the oven, soaking up those delicious sauce flavors without turning mushy.

Step 2: Mix Pasta with Marinara Sauce

Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with your marinara sauce. This ensures each piece is coated evenly and ready to absorb all the richness during baking.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the sauced pasta evenly into a sheet pan or baking dish. This layout helps the dish cook evenly and makes for easy cleanup afterwards.

Step 4: Top with Cheeses

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella all over the pasta and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan. These cheeses will melt and create that perfect bubbly, golden appearance that makes this dish so inviting.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Pop your pan into a hot oven and bake just until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned on top. This step seals in moisture and amps up the flavor, pulling everything together deliciously.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once your dish is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly, making it easier to portion and enjoy every comforting bite.

How to Serve Healthy Sheet Pan Dinner for January

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a bright, herbal touch that balances the rich cheeses superbly. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp winter green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables to keep the meal vibrant and nourishing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Healthy Sheet Pan Dinner for January straight from the baking dish for casual family dinners or spoon it into individual ramekins for a charming presentation when guests come over. Adding a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking can add delightful texture as well.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick weekday lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Just place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to revive that bubbly cheese texture. Alternatively, microwave individual servings for convenience, though the oven method yields a tastier, less soggy finish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional here, penne, rigatoni, or even shells will work wonderfully as they all hold sauce nicely.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, this Healthy Sheet Pan Dinner for January is perfect for meal prep because it stores well and reheats beautifully, keeping its comforting texture and taste.

Can I make this dish vegan?

You can swap the mozzarella and parmesan for plant-based cheese alternatives to make it vegan-friendly without sacrificing the gooey, cheesy experience.

How can I add protein to this dish?

Add cooked chicken breast, turkey sausage, or even a can of drained chickpeas mixed into the pasta before baking to boost protein content and make the meal even more filling.

What if I don’t have marinara sauce?

You can use any tomato-based pasta sauce you like, including homemade versions with fresh tomatoes and herbs. Just adjust seasoning to keep that perfect balance.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Sheet Pan Dinner for January is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for those chilly winter nights when comfort food is calling your name. Trust me, once you try this baked pasta, you’ll keep coming back to it as a cozy staple that’s both easy and irresistible. Give it a go and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!

Healthy Sheet Pan Dinner for January

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 34 reviews

This easy and comforting Cheesy Pasta recipe is perfect for warming up cold winter nights. Featuring tender ziti pasta tossed in rich marinara sauce and topped with a golden blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, this baked pasta dish offers a delightful combination of gooey, savory flavors that satisfy without fuss. Ideal for busy evenings, it requires minimal prep and bakes until bubbly and irresistibly cheesy.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

12 ounces ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce

Cheese Topping

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked ziti with the marinara sauce until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Prepare for Baking: Transfer the sauced pasta into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta, then follow with a generous sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pasta uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
Serve: Remove the pasta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your cozy baked cheesy pasta!

Notes

You can use any pasta shape you prefer such as penne or rigatoni.
To add more flavor, mix some Italian seasoning or garlic powder into the sauce before mixing with pasta.
For a richer dish, stir in a bit of ricotta or cream cheese before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
If you want a crispier cheese topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.