Recipe Station

Here's everything you need for this rich and hearty one-pan baked ziti. This recipe makes four servings.

Ingredients to Gather

1.5 pounds cherry tomatoes
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon tomato paste
Pinch red pepper flakes
12 ounces (3.75 cups) ziti
3 cups water, plus more as needed
1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup)

Directions to Follow

Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler. Heat 12-inch cast-iron skillet (or other large oven-safe skillet) over medium heat for 5 minutes. Toss tomatoes with oil and 1 teaspoon salt. Add tomatoes to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and blistered, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Off heat, coarsely mash tomatoes using potato masher.

Next, add the pasta and water and stir in, and then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer vigorously, and then stir well and cover and cook, stirring frequently. Cook for between 15 and 18 minutes or until the pasta is tender, and then stir in the Parmesan cheese and add hot water if necessary to get the consistency of the sauce just right. Add the basil and taste test the pasta to check the seasoning, and then add salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese. Place the skillet in the oven and broil for about 5 minutes or until the cheese melts and is spotted with brown.

Wow! This baked ziti is incredibly hearty and satisfying, and we love that you cook everything in a single skillet. Have you made this recipe? What did you think of it? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

Article Source: Alexandra Cooks