Stove Top Ziti
Stove Top Ziti is a one-pot wonder that brings all the comfort of classic baked ziti with a fraction of the effort—no oven required! This quick and hearty recipe combines tender ziti pasta simmered directly in a flavorful marinara sauce with savory ground Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, and a touch of Italian seasoning. Creamy ricotta cheese is stirred in for richness, while a luscious layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan crowns the dish, making every bite irresistibly cheesy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 35-minute meal is a family-friendly favorite that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. Serve it straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh basil, for a rustic Italian-inspired feast that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the marinara sauce, water, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the ziti pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the noodles in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the pasta simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce.
Once the pasta is cooked, dollop the ricotta cheese over the top and gently stir it into the sauce.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped basil, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4154 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 234.4 g | 301% | |
| Saturated Fat | 92.7 g | 464% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 633 mg | 211% | |
| Sodium | 6334 mg | 275% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 320.7 g | 117% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.4 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.0 g | ||
| Protein | 205.1 g | 410% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 3020 mg | 232% | |
| Iron | 20.1 mg | 112% | |
| Potassium | 1765 mg | 38% | |
*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.
