Smoky Baked Ziti and Sausage
Dive into the rich, smoky flavors of this irresistible Smoky Baked Ziti and Sausage—an effortless twist on classic baked pasta. Featuring tender ziti pasta tossed in a robust tomato sauce infused with smoked paprika, browned smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille), and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, this dish delivers comfort with a bold flair. Creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory Parmesan are layered throughout, creating a luscious, cheesy bake that’s golden and bubbly on top. Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping ahead, this hearty casserole is a flavorful centerpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a satisfying meal that’s as easy as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 12 oz smoked sausage (kielbasa or andouille)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Slice the smoked sausage into thin rounds. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to develop the flavors.
Stir the cooked sausage into the tomato sauce. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Add the cooked ziti to the sausage and sauce mixture, tossing until the pasta is evenly coated.
Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over the top. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the pasta.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
646 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 39.8 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.1 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 99 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 1369 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.4 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.1 g | ||
| Protein | 32.6 g | 65% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 526 mg | 40% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 587 mg | 12% | |
*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.
