Ziti Bake with Kielbasa
Savor the ultimate comfort food with this Ziti Bake with Kielbasa—a hearty, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. This easy recipe combines tender ziti pasta with smoky slices of kielbasa sausage in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs for a bold burst of flavor. Layered with gooey mozzarella and nutty parmesan cheese, this baked pasta dish gets golden and bubbly in the oven, creating a mouthwatering cheesy crust. With just 20 minutes of prep time and a short bake, it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite. Serve it fresh out of the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Keywords: ziti bake, kielbasa recipe, baked pasta, family dinner, cheesy casserole, easy dinner.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 14 oz kielbasa sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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 package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Slice the kielbasa sausage into thin rounds. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the kielbasa and cook until lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the kielbasa and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the kielbasa tomato sauce. Mix well to coat all the pasta evenly.
Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan over the layer. Add the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum 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 with golden spots.
Remove the ziti bake from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
494 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.6 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.5 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 58 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 1477 mg | 64% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.3 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.6 g | ||
| Protein | 25.0 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 391 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 494 mg | 11% | |
*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.
