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One-Pan Baked Ziti Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 130 reviews

A comforting and delicious one-pan baked ziti skillet featuring tender pasta simmered in a rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella cheese, all baked until bubbly and golden brown. This hearty Italian-American classic is perfect for an easy weeknight meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce and Pasta

  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste (approximately 1 teaspoon salt total)
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 3 cups water
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta (about 3¾ cups)

Cheese Mixture

  • 4 ounces whole-milk ricotta (about ½ cup)
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the pasta later.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Spices: In a 12-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon salt. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, 3 cups of water, the uncooked ziti pasta, and another ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients in the skillet.
  4. Simmer Pasta: Cover the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring often and adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a vigorous simmer. Cook until the pasta is almost tender, about 12 to 15 minutes, ensuring not to overcook as it will continue baking in the oven.
  5. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: While the pasta cooks, combine the ricotta cheese, remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  6. Finish Pasta Sauce: Stir the heavy cream, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil into the skillet with the pasta. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired.
  7. Transfer if Necessary: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the pasta mixture to a shallow 2-quart casserole dish before proceeding.
  8. Add Cheese Toppings: Dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese across the top.
  9. Bake: Place the skillet or casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and golden brown, about 5 to 10 minutes.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Let the baked ziti cool slightly, then sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of chopped fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet to cook and bake in one pan, saving on dishes.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta on the stovetop since it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • If avoiding the oven, you can cover the skillet with a lid to melt cheese, but it won’t brown or become crispy on top.
  • Fresh basil adds brightness; substitute with dried basil, but add less quantity.
  • For a lighter version, use part-skim ricotta and reduce heavy cream or substitute with milk.

Keywords: baked ziti, one pan pasta, Italian comfort food, creamy pasta skillet, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/one-pan-baked-ziti-skillet-recipe/