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cast iron cheesy baked ziti - featured image

Comforting Cast Iron Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe with Easy Garlic Herb Biscuits

  • Author: Lena
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A cozy and easy baked ziti dish cooked in a cast iron skillet, topped with garlic herb biscuits for a crispy, cheesy, and comforting meal perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta (or penne works too)
  • 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite jarred brand)
  • 1 cup (240g) ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk ricotta)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded melts best)
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casing removed (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk (or dairy-free milk with 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and let simmer on low for 5 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and the cooked sausage. Stir gently to mix. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the skillet over the simmered sauce. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  6. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in minced garlic, parsley, and thyme. Pour in buttermilk and gently mix until just combined.
  7. Drop spoonfuls of biscuit dough around the edges and over the top of the baked ziti, leaving some pasta visible.
  8. Place the cast iron skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the biscuits are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving.

Notes

If biscuits brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. For extra gooey cheese, add shredded mozzarella just before serving. Keep butter cold for flaky biscuits. Preheat cast iron skillet slightly before assembling to create a crispy crust. Can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or omit for vegetarian. Gluten-free and dairy-free substitutions possible.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups per
  • Calories: 520
  • Fat: 22
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 28

Keywords: baked ziti, cast iron skillet, cheesy pasta, garlic herb biscuits, comfort food, easy dinner, Italian, baked pasta

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Find it online: https://neurioxdesign.com/comforting-cast-iron-cheesy-baked-ziti-recipe-with-easy-garlic-herb-biscuits/