Stove Top Ziti

Stove Top Ziti is a one-pot wonder that brings all the comfort of classic baked ziti with a fraction of the effort—no oven required! This quick and hearty recipe combines tender ziti pasta simmered directly in a flavorful marinara sauce with savory ground Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, and a touch of Italian seasoning. Creamy ricotta cheese is stirred in for richness, while a luscious layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan crowns the dish, making every bite irresistibly cheesy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 35-minute meal is a family-friendly favorite that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up. Serve it straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh basil, for a rustic Italian-inspired feast that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 24 ounces marinara sauce
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in the marinara sauce, water, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 6

Add the ziti pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the noodles in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the pasta simmer for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the sauce.

Step 7

Once the pasta is cooked, dollop the ricotta cheese over the top and gently stir it into the sauce.

Step 8

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped basil, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2802.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4154.4

Total Fat 234.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 92.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 633.3mg	0%
Sodium 6334.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 320.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.4g	0%
Total Sugars 31.0g
Protein 205.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 3020.3mg	0%
Iron 20.1mg	0%
Potassium 1764.9mg	0%

*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: 50.1%

Protein: 19.5%

Carbs: 30.5%