ziti and sausage recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ziti and sausage recipe

I’m so excited to share this classic ziti and sausage recipe with you all. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious meals that my family will love, and this one fits the bill perfectly.

I first learned how to make ziti and sausage from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother. It’s a traditional Italian recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with you all today.

The best part about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it at any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special Sunday gathering with the family. My kids just love helping me in the kitchen, especially when we’re making this dish, as they get to help with the fun part of cooking the sausage and ziti in a big pot.

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how comforting it makes me feel. There’s something so satisfying about taking a big ol’ plate of hot, cheesy ziti and sausage straight out of the oven and serving it up to my loved ones.

Plus, it’s just so easy to make – even on the most chaotic of weeknights, I can throw this together in no time at all. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – ziti is made from whole wheat pasta, which is rich in fiber and nutrients.

Sausage is also a great source of protein and iron, making this dish a well-rounded meal for your family. So go ahead, give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Ziti and Sausage Bake

4.9 from 1791 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring ziti pasta, savory sausage, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Ziti

12 oz ziti pasta

For the Sausage

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed

For the Sauce

1 cup tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3Add ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
4Drain and set aside.
5In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
6Drain excess fat.
7Add diced onion to the skillet with sausage and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
8Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
9Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
10Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
11In a mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti and sausage mixture.
12Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
13Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and sausage mixture.
14Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
15Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
16This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat ziti for a healthier option. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Watch Video Of How Ziti and Sausage Bake Works

This ziti and sausage recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for company. And don’t worry about leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

In fact, one of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize for your family’s tastes – want more spice? Add some red pepper flakes!

Want less cheese? Use half as much as called for!

My kids just love helping me make this dish because they get to help with all the fun parts like browning the sausage and stirring in the cheese sauce.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ziti and Sausage Bake

Q: What type of sausage should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use any type of sausage you like – pork, beef, or even vegetarian options like mushroom-based sausages work great in this recipe.

Q: Can I use leftover cooked sausage?

A: Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked sausage on hand, you can definitely use it in place of raw sausage – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How do I prevent the ziti from becoming mushy?

A: To prevent the ziti from becoming mushy, make sure to cook it al dente – that means cooking it until it still has a bit of bite to it.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

A: Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to make this dish even more nutritious and flavorful.

Q: How long does this recipe take to prepare?

A: This recipe comes together quickly – you can have it ready in under 30 minutes!

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