Imagine a dish that combines the hearty richness of Italian-inspired comfort food with a healthier twist that doesn't compromise on flavor. This Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage is about to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds! Packed with melted cheeses, savory turkey sausage, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is a game-changer that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a culinary celebration.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb turkey sausage
- 1 box ziti pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your baked ziti cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the casing from the turkey sausage and crumble it into the skillet. Cook the sausage for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and fully cooked.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked turkey sausage. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the sausage and marinara mixture, and the ricotta cheese. Mix well until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and cheese.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Layer the remaining ziti mixture over the mozzarella cheese, then top with the rest of the shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will help the cheese melt and the flavors combine.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the baked ziti from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious baked ziti with turkey sausage!
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider browning the turkey sausage with a touch of garlic or red pepper flakes before adding the marinara sauce.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for the best taste. The sauce is a key flavor component of this dish.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it completely and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Experiment with different cheese blends or add some fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
