Cast Iron Baked Ziti with Charred Tomatoes
This streamlined baked ziti combines charred tomatoes, garlic, and ziti in a single cast-iron skillet, topped with mozzarella and broiled until bubbly and browned. It delivers classic comfort food with less fuss and fewer dishes.
Ingredients
- 680 g grape tomatoes
- 14.8 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 6 clove garlic minced
- 4.93 ml tomato paste
- 1.23 ml red pepper flakes
- 340 g ziti
- 710 ml water
- 28.3 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 59.1 ml fresh basil chopped
- 113 g mozzarella cheese shredded
Nutrition (per serving, estimated)
Estimated based off 8 of 11 identified ingredients (per 100 g food data, scaled by amount).
Vitamins & minerals
- Calcium: 579 mg
- Iron: 3.82 mg
- Magnesium: 65 mg
- Phosphorus: 474 mg
- Potassium: 868 mg
- Zinc: 3.5 mg
Let's Prepare
Collect
Gather these ingredients — no prep needed yet.
- 680 g grape tomatoes
- 14.8 ml extra-virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 4.93 ml tomato paste
- 1.23 ml red pepper flakes
- 340 g ziti
- 710 ml water
Prepare
- Mince 6 clove garlic
- Grate 28.3 g Parmesan cheese
- Chop 59.1 ml fresh basil
- Shred 113 g mozzarella cheese
Let's Cook
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Step 1.
Adjust oven rack 6 inches from broiler element and heat broiler.
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Step 2.
Heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.
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Step 3.
Toss 1 1/2 pounds grape tomatoes with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and 1 teaspoon salt. Add tomatoes to the hot skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred and blistered, about 10 minutes.
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Step 4.
Stir in 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon tomato paste, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
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Step 5.
Remove skillet from heat. Coarsely mash the tomatoes using a potato masher.
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Step 6.
Stir in 12 ounces (3 3/4 cups) ziti and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Step 7.
Reduce heat to a vigorous simmer, cover, and cook, stirring often, until pasta is tender, 15 to 18 minutes.
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Step 8.
Stir in 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup). Adjust sauce consistency with extra hot water as needed.
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Step 9.
Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Step 10.
Sprinkle 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup) over the top.
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Step 11.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until cheese is melted and spotty brown, about 5 minutes. Serve.