This skillet baked ziti recipe is a quick and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. Made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, Italian sausage, and melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. The ziti is cooked in a skillet with all the ingredients, then topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a cheesy and flavorful pasta dish that will satisfy everyone's cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Return the cooked Italian sausage to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir in the marinara sauce and cooked ziti. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the ziti mixture.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh basil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Baked ziti is a popular Italian-American dish that originated in Southern Italy.
The word 'ziti' comes from the Italian word 'zito,' which means bridegrooms. It is traditionally served at weddings.
Skillet baking the ziti gives it a crispy and cheesy crust.
This recipe can easily be customized by adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the skillet.
Leftover skillet baked ziti can be refrigerated and reheated for a delicious next-day meal.