Savory Skillet Baked Ziti with Creamy Tomato Sauce
This delicious Skillet Baked Ziti recipe from America's Test Kitchen showcases a rich and creamy tomato sauce that'll tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this one-dish meal combines tender ziti pasta with savory ingredients like garlic, crushed tomatoes, and fresh basil. Baked to perfection under a blanket of gooey mozzarella cheese, it's a comforting dish that can be prepared in under an hour. Give this recipe a try and watch your loved ones come back for seconds!
4
Servings
500
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
garlic cloves
6 (minced)
red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
crushed tomatoes
28 ounces (none)
water
3 cups (none)
ziti pasta
12 ounces (none)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
fresh basil leaf
1/4 cup (minced)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with the rack positioned in the middle.
2
In a 12-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the water, ziti, and another 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to combine.
4
Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the ziti is almost tender.
5
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced basil. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
6
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the ziti mixture.
7
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
8
Remove from the oven, allow to cool slightly, and serve hot for a delightful one-dish meal.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
60g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary dish in this recipe?
The dish is a Savory Skillet Baked Ziti with Creamy Tomato Sauce, a one-dish meal originally from America's Test Kitchen.
How many servings does this skillet baked ziti make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 475°F (245°C) with the rack positioned in the middle.
What type of skillet is required for this baked ziti?
A 12-inch oven-safe nonstick skillet is recommended to ensure the dish can transition from the stovetop to the oven.
How long does it take to prepare and cook this meal?
The entire dish can be prepared and cooked in under an hour.
Do I need to boil the ziti pasta separately?
No, the ziti pasta is cooked directly in the skillet with the crushed tomatoes and water.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 minced garlic cloves.
What types of cheese are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How many calories are in one serving of this baked ziti?
There are approximately 500 calories per serving.
What makes the tomato sauce creamy in this recipe?
The sauce becomes creamy by stirring in 1/2 cup of heavy cream after the pasta has finished simmering.
What is the stovetop simmering time for the ziti?
The ziti should simmer in the skillet for 15 to 18 minutes until almost tender.
How much water is added to the crushed tomatoes?
You should add 3 cups of water to the 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a slight kick from 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which are sautéed with the garlic.
What kind of herbs are used for flavoring?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of fresh minced basil leaves.
How long is the dish baked in the oven?
The skillet is baked for about 10 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 22.5 grams of fat.
How many grams of protein are in each serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
The carbohydrate content is 60 grams per serving.
How much ziti pasta do I need?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of ziti pasta.
When should I add the mozzarella cheese?
The mozzarella cheese is sprinkled evenly over the top after the cream, Parmesan, and basil have been stirred in, just before baking.
Is olive oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and red pepper flakes.
What should I do if the pasta is sticking during the simmer?
The instructions recommend stirring the mixture often during the 15 to 18 minute simmer to prevent sticking.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper levels?
Yes, the recipe suggests adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to your personal taste before adding the cheese topping.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Should I serve the dish immediately after baking?
The recipe suggests allowing it to cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving it hot.
Is fresh or dried basil recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of fresh minced basil leaf.
How many total ingredients are listed?
There are 12 specific ingredients listed in this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include baked ziti, one pot meal, italian comfort food, pasta casserole, easy dinner, family-friendly, and america's test kitchen.
What is the preparation for the Parmesan cheese?
The Parmesan cheese should be grated before being stirred into the pasta mixture.
What amount of crushed tomatoes is required?
The recipe calls for a 28-ounce container of crushed tomatoes.