Skillet Baked Ziti with Sausage
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Skillet Baked Ziti with Sausage — a one-pan dinner that's bursting with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This hearty dish starts with savory Italian sausage, sautéed with onions and garlic for an irresistible base. Al dente ziti pasta is simmered directly in a rich tomato sauce infused with oregano, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth for maximum flavor. Creamy ricotta is stirred in for a luxurious texture, while a generous topping of melty mozzarella and Parmesan bakes to golden perfection under the broiler. Best of all, it’s made entirely in an oven-safe skillet, minimizing cleanup while maximizing convenience. Garnish with fresh basil for a touch of brightness, and serve this cheesy, saucy delight straight from the skillet for a family-friendly meal everyone will love. Perfect keywords: baked ziti recipe, skillet pasta, Italian sausage pasta, one-pot dinner, easy comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove excess grease if needed.
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, or until fragrant.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Add the ziti pasta, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, ensuring the pasta is completely submerged in the sauce.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is almost al dente.
Remove the lid and gently stir in the ricotta cheese until evenly distributed.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
If desired, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes to further brown the cheese on top.
Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil, if using, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4275 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 237.1 g | 304% | |
| Saturated Fat | 98.1 g | 490% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 684 mg | 228% | |
| Sodium | 9574 mg | 416% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 339.8 g | 124% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.1 g | 111% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.2 g | ||
| Protein | 218.6 g | 437% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3435 mg | 264% | |
| Iron | 27.4 mg | 152% | |
| Potassium | 3755 mg | 80% | |
*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.
