Easy Skillet Baked Ziti With Sausage and Ricotta Recipe

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Easy Skillet Baked Ziti With Sausage and Ricotta Recipe
Total
30 min
Servings
6

Method

  1. Place the pasta in a large bowl and cover it with hot water. Add salt generously. Let it rest, stirring twice within the first 10 minutes, while you prepare the other ingredients.

  2. Use a hand blender or countertop blender to blend the tomatoes until they are mostly smooth, with a slight chunkiness. Set aside 3/4 cup of the blended tomatoes. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining blended tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken stock. Season with salt to taste. Set aside.

  3. Heat oil and butter in a large sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, swirling the pan until the butter is mostly melted. Add the sausage and cook, mashing it with a potato masher or whisk, until the sausage is no longer pink (around 5 minutes). Add the onion and garlic, reduce the heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until they are softened but not browned (around 5 minutes). Add the oregano, red pepper flakes, and half of the parsley, and cook, stirring, until fragrant (about 1 minute).

  4. Add the tomato and cream mixture to the pan with the sausage. Drain the noodles in a large colander set in the sink, then add them to the pan and stir to combine. Stir in half of the ricotta, then rapidly stir in half of the mozzarella cheese. Be careful not to over-stir, as the mixture may stretch and

About this recipe

Easy Skillet Baked Ziti With Sausage and Ricotta

Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that's easy to make? Look no further than this easy skillet baked ziti with sausage and ricotta recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and a skillet, you can whip up a hearty and flavorful dish that the whole family will love. Let's dive in and discover how to make this mouthwatering meal!

The Beauty of Skillet Cooking

Skillet cooking is like a symphony of flavors coming together in perfect harmony. Just like a conductor brings out the best in each instrument, a skillet allows the ingredients to blend and meld, creating a dish that's bursting with flavor.

When you cook ziti in a skillet, the heat distributes evenly, ensuring that every bite is cooked to perfection. The flavors of the sausage and ricotta infuse the pasta, creating a deliciously rich and savory dish that's sure to please.

The Magic of Sausage and Ricotta

Sausage and ricotta are a match made in culinary heaven. The savory and slightly spicy flavor of the sausage pairs perfectly with the creamy and smooth texture of ricotta. Together, they create a mouthwatering combination that takes this baked ziti to the next level.

The sausage adds a depth of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds, while the ricotta adds a luxurious creaminess that balances out the dish. With each bite, you'll experience a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

How to Make Easy Skillet Baked Ziti

Making this easy skillet baked ziti is a breeze. Start by browning the sausage in a skillet until it's cooked through and nicely browned. Then, add in the garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant, releasing its delicious aroma.

Next, add in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, allowing them to simmer and develop their flavors. As the sauce bubbles away, it infuses the sausage with its rich and tangy taste. This is where the magic happens!

Once the sauce is ready, add in the cooked ziti and stir to coat the pasta with the delicious sauce. The ricotta is added at the end, creating creamy pockets of goodness throughout the dish. Top it off with some mozzarella cheese and pop it in the oven to bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

The Result: A Crowd-Pleasing Dish

When you take this easy skillet baked ziti with sausage and ricotta out of the oven, you'll be greeted with a sight and aroma that will make your mouth water. The golden brown cheese is bubbling and gooey, while the sausage and ricotta peek through the sauce, inviting you to dig in.

With the first bite, you'll experience a symphony of flavors. The sausage adds a savory and slightly spicy kick, while the ricotta brings a creamy and luxurious element to the dish. The pasta is perfectly cooked, tender yet firm, and coated in a rich and tangy tomato sauce.

Each forkful is a delight, and you'll find yourself going back for seconds, and maybe even thirds. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, making this dish a real crowd-pleaser.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can absolutely use a different type of pasta. Penne or rigatoni would work well in this recipe.

. Can I substitute the sausage with another protein?

Definitely! If you're not a fan of sausage, you can use ground beef or turkey instead.

. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the sausage and add in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.

. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even goat cheese.

. How long does this dish take to bake?

It usually takes around 20-25 minutes in the oven for the cheese to become golden and bubbly.

. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze any leftovers in an airtight container. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

. What can I serve with this dish?

This skillet baked ziti pairs well with a simple green salad and some garlic bread.

In conclusion, this easy skillet baked ziti with sausage and ricotta is a recipe that combines simplicity and flavor in one delicious dish. With the magic of skillet cooking and the pairing of sausage and ricotta, you'll create a meal that's sure to impress. So, grab your skillet and get cooking!

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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