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Flavorful Skillet Baked Ziti with Spicy Sausage

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A quick and easy skillet baked ziti featuring spicy Italian sausage and whipped ricotta for a creamy, flavorful, and comforting one-pan meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 12 ounces uncooked ziti pasta (substitute penne or rigatoni if needed)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whipped, use whole milk ricotta for creaminess)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 2 cups water or broth (vegetable or chicken broth preferred)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Add spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add uncooked ziti pasta and 2 cups water or broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and spread pasta evenly.
  5. Bring to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook on medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through. Pasta should absorb most liquid and be tender but al dente.
  6. While pasta cooks, whip ricotta cheese in a bowl with a hand mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  7. Remove lid from skillet. Dollop whipped ricotta evenly over pasta. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.
  8. Cover and cook an additional 5 minutes on low heat until cheese melts and bubbles. For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

If skillet is not oven-safe, transfer pasta to a baking dish for final cheese melt. Add extra water or broth if pasta absorbs too much liquid before tender. Whipping ricotta is recommended for a lighter, creamier texture. Let dish rest before serving for best flavor. Can be made ahead up to cheese addition and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: skillet baked ziti, spicy Italian sausage, whipped ricotta, one-pan meal, quick dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/flavorful-skillet-baked-ziti-with-spicy-sausage-easy-homemade-recipe/