The latest recipe on The Cool Mom Co. is a comforting Skillet Baked Ziti, perfect for busy weeknights. This cheesy, one-pan dish combines al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection in a skillet. Easy to prep and packed with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser the whole family will love!
Skillet Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- Olive oil to taste
- 6 Fresh garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 Tsp Red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 1 Can of Crushed tomatoes 28oz
- Ziti pasta about 16oz
- 1/2 Cup Heavy whipping cream
- Pasta water to your preference
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Basil chopped
- 1 Cup Mozzarella cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 475 degrees.
- Soft boil your ziti pasta in a separate pot for a few minutes (prior to combining).
- In a cast-iron skillet, combine the following and saute over medium to high heat for 1 minute: olive oil, red pepper flakes, fresh garlic, and salt.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, ziti pasta, pasta water, and ½ tsp salt to the skillet.
- Cook and cover, stirring often until the pasta is completely cooked through.
- Time to add in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and salt & pepper to taste. Top the pasta dish with grated mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the cast iron skillet into the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until the mozzarella cheese is golden brown and melted!
- Enjoy!
