Easy Skillet Baked Ziti

Easy Skillet Baked Ziti

Prep Time: 5mn

Cook Time: 10mn

Total Time: 15mn

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/2 pound to 1 pound ground Italian Sausage
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flake
• 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 12 ounces ziti (I used mini ziti)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (I use my Microplane grater for this)
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Need to convert the measurements? Click here!

DIRECTIONS

1. Pre-heat your oven to 475 degrees.
2. In a very large non-stick oven-safe skillet (if you have one), heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add in the Italian Sausage and cook. Use a large wooden spoon or spoon to break the meat up into small bite sized pieces. When it is cooked through, use a slotted spoon to remove the meat from the pan, draining any excess fat. Set the meat aside.
3. Wipe the pan clean.
4. Heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in the garlic and red pepper flake and cook for about a minute. To the pan add in crushed tomatoes, water, ziti, and season with about 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil.
5. Cover the skillet and cook over medium to medium-high heat for about 15-20 minutes. When the ziti is almost tender, it’s done. You don’t want the ziti entirely tender because it’ll continue cooking in the oven.
6. Stir in the cooked Italian Sausage and heavy cream. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add in the finely grated parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
8. If you have an oven-safe skillet, sprinkle mozzarella cheese and sharp cheddar cheese over the top.
9. If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish, then top with cheese.
10. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is all melted and bubbly. If you want to brown the cheese a bit, broil it for just 2-3 minutes.
11. Allow the Skillet Baked Ziti to cool for a few minutes before serving.
12. Enjoy!