One-Pan Baked Ziti Skillet
User Reviews
4.3
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
One-Pan Baked Ziti Skillet
Description
The One-Pan Baked Ziti Skillet features ziti pasta simmered with crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, creating a flavorful tomato base. As the pasta nears tenderness on the stovetop, ricotta cheese mixed with Parmesan and olive oil is prepared separately. The pasta is then combined with heavy cream, Parmesan, and fresh basil to build richness and balance acidity. Topped with ricotta and shredded mozzarella, the dish is baked to meld flavors and achieve a lightly browned cheese crust.
The creamy cheese layers soften the pasta while adding contrast in texture and flavor. Red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat amid the tomato and garlic notes, while basil adds brightness. Baking in the oven gives the dish a comforting warmth and a slightly golden top crust.
This skillet pasta is ideal for serving as a simple dinner that combines protein-free comfort and Italian-inspired flavors. It pairs well with a green salad or roasted vegetables. Using one pan reduces cleanup and effort, suitable for a focused cooking session at home.
Ingredients
- 6 garlic minced, cloves
- 4 teaspoons olive oil divided
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- salt
- black pepper
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups water
- 12 ounces ziti pasta 3¾ cups
- 4 ounces ricotta cheese whole milk, 1/2 cup
- 3/4 /4 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, grated
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup basil chopped, fresh
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 475 degrees.
- Combine 1 tablespoon oil, garlic, pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in 12-inch ovensafe nonstick skillet and saute over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add crushed tomatoes, water, ziti and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Cover and cook, stirring often and adjusting heat as needed to maintain vigorous simmer, until ziti is almost tender, 12-15 minutes. Make sure you don't cook it too much. It will continue to cook in the oven.
- While the pasta is cooking, combine ricotta, remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
- Stir in cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and basil into the pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- At this point if your skillet is not ovensafe, transfer the pasta mixture into a shallow 2-quart casserole dish before sprinkling with the ricotta and cheese and baking. If you're really against turning on the oven you could cover the skillet with a lid and melt the cheese that way but it won't get browned and toasty.
- Add dollops of the ricotta mixture with a spoon on top of the pasta and sprinkle mozzarella evenly over ziti.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake until cheese has melted and browned, about 5-10 minutes. Let cool slightly and sprinkle with remaining tablespoon of basil. Serve.
Notes
- Ensure your skillet is oven-safe; if not, transfer the contents to an ovenproof dish before baking.
- Stir frequently during the stovetop simmer to prevent pasta from sticking or overcooking before baking.
- The red pepper flakes add gentle heat; adjust or omit according to preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor integration.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1grams |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.3
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