My family loves a cozy serving of this Skillet Baked Ziti. It’s quick to prepare from scratch and delivers tender pasta, flavorful Italian sausage and herbs, and plenty of melty cheese in every bite. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a comforting weeknight meal that’s simple to make and easy to share.
Baked ziti is a true classic: pasta tossed in a tomato sauce scented with basil and oregano, folded with savory Italian sausage, finished with cream and Parmesan, and topped with plenty of shredded mozzarella. The result is a rich, saucy bake with a stretchy, golden cheese topping.
Because this dish is assembled and baked right in an oven-safe skillet, cleanup is straightforward and you get a little hands-off time to prep sides or relax with a drink before dinner. Leftovers keep well for lunches or another dinner and this recipe scales nicely for gatherings, potlucks, or family meals.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Below is an overview of the ingredients and a few substitution notes. See the recipe card for exact quantities.
- Ziti. Any mid-sized tubular pasta works—penne, rigatoni, or even farfalle if you prefer.
- Ground Italian sausage. Use ground sausage sold in a bulk pack for easy browning. Ground beef can substitute, but it lacks the sausage seasoning; increase the herbs if you go that route.
- Garlic. Fresh minced garlic is best, though jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
- Crushed tomatoes. Fire-roasted crushed tomatoes add a pleasant depth of flavor.
- Red pepper flakes, dried basil, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. These season the sauce—adjust to taste.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half. A small amount enriches the sauce; either option is fine.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan. Shredded mozzarella for melting and grated Parmesan for savory, salty depth.
How To Make Skillet Baked Ziti
This recipe is straightforward and forgiving—great for cooks of any skill level who want a tasty, fast dinner.
- Preheat and cook the pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Boil pasta in well-salted water and drain it when it’s slightly undercooked (a few minutes shy of package directions). The pasta will finish cooking in the oven and will absorb sauce better when it’s still a bit firm.
- Brown the sausage and aromatics: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground sausage for 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the tomato sauce: Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 5–7 minutes to blend flavors and slightly thicken the sauce. Reduce heat if it begins to bubble vigorously.
- Finish the sauce and assemble: Stir in the cream and grated Parmesan, then fold in the cooked pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake until bubbly: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden in spots. If you prefer extra browning, briefly broil for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
A 12-inch cast-iron skillet with higher sides works well for this recipe, though any large oven-safe skillet or baking dish will do.
Garnish with a small sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil just before serving for a bright finishing touch. Serve family-style from the skillet or portion on plates—either way, seconds are likely.
Serving Suggestions
This baked ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar or Italian salad, roasted green beans, or crusty garlic bread. Add simple sides like garlic knots or breadsticks for a fuller meal that’s sure to please a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
This recipe makes great leftovers and reheats well, which is why it’s a favorite for lunches and easy dinners.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for 3–4 days. Store individual portions or keep the skillet covered if you plan to reheat the whole pan.
- Reheating: Reheat single servings in the microwave or warm them on the stove over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems thick. To reheat a large portion, cover the skillet and warm in a 200°F oven until heated through.
Recipe Card Summary
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti (or another pasta)
- 12 ounces ground Italian sausage
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 (28 ounce) can 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
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Boil a large pot of water with a generous pinch of salt. Cook pasta 2–3 minutes less than package directions so it remains slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, brown the sausage and crumble it into small pieces (about 4–5 minutes). Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the cream and Parmesan, then add the cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.
- Bake uncovered for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and browned in spots. Optionally broil 1–2 minutes for extra color—watch closely. Serve and enjoy.
Last step!
If you make this Skillet Baked Ziti, please leave a review to share how it turned out for you. Your feedback helps others and supports the recipe creator.
Nutrition Estimate
Carbohydrates: 55 g,
Protein: 24 g,
Fat: 28 g