One-Pot Baked Ziti - everything cooks in the same pot, even the pasta! Italian sausage, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, water, ziti pasta, ricotta, heavy cream, and mozzarella cheese - 100% from scratch pasta dish that is ready in under 30 minutes! Tastes better than any restaurant. Everyone (even the kids) LOVES this recipe!! Leftovers are equally delicious reheated. #pasta #onepot #sausage #cheese #casserole
Brown Italian sausage in a Dutch Oven until browned. Drain fat.
Add onion flakes and garlic. Cook for 30-60 seconds, until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, salt, red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning.
Add water and ziti pasta. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover skillet. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, until pasta is tender.
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in ricotta and heavy cream. Cook on low for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Top with mozzarella cheese. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes:
I used sweet Italian sausage in this dish. You can swap it for a roll of breakfast sausage or ground beef if you prefer.
Make sure to use a can of good quality tomatoes. I like Red Gold Tomatoes. You can also splurge on a can of peeled whole San Marzano tomatoes and crushed them yourself. I pop the whole tomatoes in the food processor for a few seconds. YUM!
I used mozzarella cheese. Feel free to use any cheese you prefer - an Italian cheese blend or provolone would be delicious.
You can freeze the leftover pasta for a quick meal later.