One-Skillet Baked Ziti (Printable)

Pasta, sauce, and cheese meld in a skillet for a comforting, quick dinner everyone will enjoy.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb ziti or penne pasta, uncooked
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
06 - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
07 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
09 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
13 - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

# Method:

01 - Set your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and break up with a spatula. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
03 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
04 - Add uncooked ziti pasta directly to the skillet. Push pasta down to submerge evenly in the liquid.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just tender and most liquid is absorbed.
06 - Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the pasta. Remove skillet from the stovetop.
07 - Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
08 - Remove dish from oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick prep and fewer dishes for easy cleanup
  • No need to boil pasta separately it all cooks in one skillet
  • Classic Italian American flavor with a cheesy twist
  • Kid friendly and crowd pleaser for potlucks or family dinners
02 -
  • High protein from sausage and cheese keeps you full
  • One skillet means super speedy cleanup
  • Perfect for make ahead and freezer friendly meals
03 -
  • Grate your cheeses fresh or the texture will not melt as nicely
  • Letting the pasta rest a few minutes after baking keeps the sauce thick and slices neat
  • Toasting the sausage and onions well at the start makes all the difference in big flavor

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