![['Close-up view of a skillet filled with baked ziti topped with melted cheese.', 'A side view of a delicious skillet of baked ziti, showcasing pasta and cheese.', 'Juicy baked ziti in a skillet, featuring layers of cheese and Italian sausage.', 'Colorful baked ziti served in a skillet, garnished with bubbling mozzarella cheese.']](https://quickflavorfix.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/skillet-baked-ziti_1_U1.webp)
Skillet Baked Ziti
A comforting and cheesy baked pasta dish with Italian sausage, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces ziti (or another pasta)
- 12 ounces ground Italian sausage
- 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- to taste kosher salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente, then drain.
- Cook sausage in a skillet until browned, add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook briefly.
- Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano; simmer 5-7 minutes. Stir in cream and Parmesan.
- Mix in cooked pasta, season with salt and pepper, sprinkle mozzarella on top.
- Bake in oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and browns slightly. Serve hot.
Notes
Use a broiler for a browned top if desired, watch carefully to prevent burning.