Sausage and Pepper Baked Ziti
Dive into the rich, hearty flavors of Sausage and Pepper Baked Ziti, a cozy casserole perfect for family dinners or crowd-pleasing gatherings. This baked pasta dish combines tender ziti with savory Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a luscious tomato-based sauce spiked with garlic and Italian seasoning. Layered with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan, each bite is a cheesy, comforting masterpiece. The golden, bubbly finish in the oven ensures irresistible appeal, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness. Simple to prepare and utterly satisfying, this baked ziti is your go-to recipe for an unforgettable comfort food experience.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp (or to taste) salt
- 0.5 tsp (or to taste) black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a light layer of olive oil and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed, if necessary) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced green and red bell peppers, onion, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, sausage, and the vegetable-tomato sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread an even layer of ricotta cheese over the pasta, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining pasta mixture and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting Sausage and Pepper Baked Ziti!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
608 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.8 g | 45% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.2 g | 76% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 99 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 1289 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.0 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.4 g | ||
| Protein | 34.3 g | 69% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 485 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 808 mg | 17% | |
*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.
