Fake Baked Ziti

Craving the comforting flavors of baked ziti but short on time? Enter "Fake Baked Ziti," a one-pan wonder that delivers all the cheesy, saucy goodness of the classic dish—no oven required! This quick and easy recipe features tender ziti (or penne) pasta tossed in a rich tomato and garlic sauce, elevated with creamy ricotta and a trio of cheeses: mozzarella, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a finishing touch. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute meal brings all the cozy Italian flavors to your table without the hassle of baking. One bite and you’ll be savoring a skillet full of comfort!

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta (or penne)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese. Mix until the cheese is evenly incorporated into the sauce.

Step 5

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the sauce.

Step 6

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on low for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor.

Step 8

Serve the fake baked ziti hot straight from the skillet. Enjoy the cheesy, saucy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1748.8 grams (1748.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2214

Total Fat 119.30g	153%
Saturated Fat 57.50g	288%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 367mg	122%
Sodium 5696mg	248%
Total Carbohydrate 180.40g	66%
Dietary Fiber 21.60g	77%
Total Sugars 38.20g
Protein 123.50g	247%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3311mg	255%
Iron 14mg	78%
Potassium 2382mg	51%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.9%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 31.5%