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+ servings
5 from 4 votes

Skillet Baked Ziti

My family loves a plate of this cozy dinner, and I love how quick and easy it is to make from scratch. With tender pasta, flavorful Italian sausage and herbs, and plenty of stretchy cheese in every bite, this is a comfort food classic you can enjoy any night.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces ziti or another pasta
  • 12 ounces ground Italian sausage
  • 4-5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Boil a large pot of water. Add a generous pinch of salt, then add pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes shy of the time recommended on the package directions. (It should still be firm; it will absorb sauce and cook more in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
    12 ounces ziti
  • While the pasta is cooking, place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and crumble it into small pieces as it cooks. When the sausage is nicely browned, which should take 4-5 minutes, add garlic and red pepper. Cook for 30-60 seconds more.
    12 ounces ground Italian sausage, 4-5 garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Add the tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir it occasionally and lower the heat if it starts to bubble really rapidly.
    1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 2 teaspoons dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Stir in the cream and Parmesan, followed by the cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle the mozzarella evenly on top.
    1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Transfer skillet to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned in spots. (You can finish it with a broil, just watch carefully to avoid burning.) Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Estimate

Calories: 565 kcal, Carbohydrates: 55 g, Protein: 24 g, Fat: 28 g, Saturated Fat: 12 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g, Cholesterol: 73 mg, Sodium: 831 mg, Potassium: 716 mg, Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 8 g, Vitamin A: 630 IU, Vitamin C: 14 mg, Calcium: 235 mg, Iron: 4 mg
Did you make this recipe?Leave a review below, then snap a quick picture and tag @nourishandfete on Instagram so I can see it!