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Weeknight • pasta

Cheesy Skillet Baked Ziti

All the comfort of baked ziti, made entirely in one skillet with a blanket of bubbly mozzarella on top.

Prep
10 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
6
Level
Weeknight
Cheesy Skillet Baked Ziti

Traditional baked ziti is wonderful, but it asks for a lot: boil pasta, make sauce, layer in a casserole, bake. This version skips the casserole step entirely and cooks the pasta right in the sauce in a big oven-safe skillet. A heavy hand with mozzarella, a quick blast under the broiler, and you've got the cheesy, golden-topped pasta everyone wants.

Ingredients

Yield: 6 servings

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan
  • Fresh basil, for serving

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat the oven to 425°F. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Add the onion and cook until softened, 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds.

  3. Step 3

    Pour in the marinara and water. Stir in the ziti, oregano, and salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is just tender, about 12 to 14 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta over the top. Sprinkle evenly with the mozzarella and parmesan.

  5. Step 5

    Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden brown spots. Top with fresh basil and let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Vegetarian? Swap the meat for a 15-ounce can of drained chickpeas or a pound of sliced mushrooms.
  • If your skillet isn't oven-safe, transfer to a 9x13 baking dish before topping with cheese.
  • Leftovers reheat brilliantly — add a splash of water to keep it saucy.

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