Fake Baked Ziti
Craving the comforting flavors of baked ziti but short on time? Enter "Fake Baked Ziti," a one-pan wonder that delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of the classic dish—no oven required! This quick and easy recipe features tender ziti (or penne) pasta tossed in a rich tomato and garlic sauce, elevated with creamy ricotta and a trio of cheeses: mozzarella, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a finishing touch. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute meal brings all the cozy Italian flavors to your table without the hassle of baking. One bite and you’ll be savoring a skillet full of comfort!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta (or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese. Mix until the cheese is evenly incorporated into the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the sauce.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on low for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor.
Serve the fake baked ziti hot straight from the skillet. Enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
371 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.8 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.8 g | 54% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 905 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28.7 g | 10% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.7 g | ||
| Protein | 21.9 g | 44% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 463 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 395 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
