Sausage Peppers Ziti Marinara
Satisfy your craving for comfort food with this Sausage Peppers Ziti Marinara—a hearty baked pasta dish that combines the rich, bold flavors of Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory marinara sauce. Tossed with al dente ziti and layered with gooey mozzarella and parmesan, this crowd-pleasing casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. A touch of garlic and optional red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while a golden, cheesy topping ensures every bite is irresistible. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make pasta bake delivers classic Italian flavors with a baked twist. Serve it fresh from the oven, garnished with parsley for a pop of freshness!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 yellow onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until just shy of al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and add the sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
Add the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the sausage and marinara mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and the grated parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4343 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 217.0 g | 278% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.3 g | 392% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 518 mg | 173% | |
| Sodium | 8821 mg | 384% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 407.5 g | 148% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.9 g | 139% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.2 g | ||
| Protein | 191.8 g | 384% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2389 mg | 184% | |
| Iron | 25.6 mg | 142% | |
| Potassium | 1941 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.
