Italian Turkey Sausage and Ziti Bake
Indulge in the comforting flavors of an Italian-inspired classic with this Italian Turkey Sausage and Ziti Bake! This hearty casserole combines tender ziti pasta, savory Italian turkey sausage, and a rich marinara sauce, layered with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheese. Fresh basil adds a pop of fragrant freshness, while optional crushed red pepper flakes provide a hint of heat. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Serve it with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian turkey sausage (casings removed)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 24 ounces Marinara sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup Ricotta cheese
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil (chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian turkey sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the marinara sauce and add the crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and the chopped fresh basil. Mix until evenly coated.
Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sausage and marinara mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta and sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3562 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 153.2 g | 196% | |
| Saturated Fat | 61.4 g | 307% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 647 mg | 216% | |
| Sodium | 7542 mg | 328% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 329.3 g | 120% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.4 g | 105% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.1 g | ||
| Protein | 224.0 g | 448% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2497 mg | 192% | |
| Iron | 24.2 mg | 134% | |
| Potassium | 1940 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
