My family loves this easy Baked Ziti recipe, and I love that it's made in just one pan! It's as fast and delicious as comfort food gets and ready in less than 30 minutes!
Heat a large 12-inch or bigger oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, crumbling into small pieces, until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil and oregano. Stir well. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes.
Add the water and dry pasta. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes or until noodles are tender.
Stir in the half and half, and parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the cheese has melted and browned, about 5 minutes. Enjoy!
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Notes
Make Ahead Instructions: Follow the directions of making the sauce, up to step 4. Don't add and cook the noodles, yet. Continue with step 5 just before you want to serve the homemade baked ziti.Freezing Instructions:Prepare the recipe up until the baking step. Cover with a double layer of aluminum foil sprayed lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or, bake from frozen, covered in foil for 1 hour and 15 minutes, and uncover and bake 20-30 minutes longer, or until bubbly and warmed through.