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Un-Baked Ziti

A no-oven, one-skillet comfort meal. Serves 4.

Traditional baked ziti is classic comfort food, but when you’re staying somewhere without an oven, it’s usually off the table. This Un-Baked Ziti by Rebecca of Dollar Tree Dinners delivers all the cozy, cheesy flavors you expect and made entirely in one skillet—perfect for extended stay kitchens where stovetop cooking is the main option. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and designed to feel like a home-cooked meal even when you’re away from home. This is the first of Rebecca's “un-baked" recipes: comfort food classics reworked for spaces without ovens, using simple ingredients and minimal prep.

Download the recipe card to print or save for later.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 lb mild Italian sausage
  • 2 cups frozen chopped peppers and onions
  • 24 oz jar pasta sauce (any flavor; basil & garlic works great)
  • 8 oz small pasta (ziti or similar)
  • 2 cups broth (vegetable, chicken, or beef)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese
 

Instructions

1. Brown the sausage. Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and crumbled.
2. Add the vegetables. Stir in the frozen peppers and onions. Cook until softened and heated through.
3. Build the sauce and pasta. Add the pasta sauce, broth, and dry pasta to the skillet. Stir gently to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
4. Simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Make it creamy and cheesy. Turn off the heat. Stir in the cream cheese and half of the shredded cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Finish and rest. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Cover with a lid and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Serve warm and enjoy!

 
 

Why you'll love this recipe

  • All the comfort and warmth of baked ziti and made entirely on the stovetop. No oven needed!
  • One skillet means fewer dishes and less cleanup.
  • It's hearty and filling, which is perfect for making longer stays feel more like home.
  • It's also budget-friendly by using affordable ingredients you can find almost anywhere.
 

Extended stay cooking tips

1. Make it meatless. Skip the sausage and swap in mushrooms or canned lentils.
2. Great for meal prep. This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy mornings or long days.