Creamy Pesto Ziti with Savory Italian Sausage
This Creamy Pesto Ziti with Savory Italian Sausage is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. It's a family favorite that I created to be quick and easy, yet bursting with flavor. The richness of the Bertolli Alfredo sauce perfectly complements the aromatic basil from the pesto, while the Italian sausage adds a robust heartiness. With the option to substitute chicken, fresh pesto, or even sun-dried tomato pesto, this versatile recipe adapts beautifully to your kitchen preferences. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor even further, making it an unforgettable meal. With its quick preparation – particularly when using pre-cooked sausage – this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or hearty weekend dinners. I'm sure it will become a staple in your household too!
6
Servings
350
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bertolli Alfredo sauce
16 ounces (jarred)
Pesto sauce
10 ounces (jarred)
Italian sausage
1 pound (cooked and sliced)
Ziti pasta
1 pound (cooked al dente)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your stove and cook the Italian sausage according to the package directions until browned and fully cooked. Allow it to cool slightly.
2
While the sausage is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3
Once the sausage has cooled, slice it into ½-inch thick coins. Set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Bertolli Alfredo sauce and the pesto sauce until well blended.
5
Add the sliced sausage to the sauce mixture and stir until combined.
6
Gently fold in the cooked ziti pasta into the sauce and sausage mixture, ensuring every piece is coated well.
7
Serve immediately, sprinkling with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Nutrition Information
13.33
Fat
36.67
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pesto Ziti with Savory Italian Sausage?
It is a comforting Italian pasta dish combining ziti, Italian sausage, Alfredo sauce, and pesto for a quick and hearty meal.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the calorie counts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one pound of Ziti pasta cooked al dente.
Can I substitute the Italian sausage with another protein?
Yes, you can easily substitute the Italian sausage with chicken if preferred.
What kind of Alfredo sauce is recommended?
The recipe suggests using a 16-ounce jar of Bertolli Alfredo sauce.
How much pesto sauce do I need?
You will need 10 ounces of pesto sauce for this dish.
Can I use fresh pesto instead of jarred?
Yes, fresh pesto is a mentioned alternative that works beautifully in this recipe.
Are there other pesto variations I can use?
Yes, sun-dried tomato pesto is suggested as a versatile substitute for traditional basil pesto.
How should the Italian sausage be prepared?
The sausage should be browned and fully cooked, then sliced into half-inch thick coins.
Is this recipe considered quick to make?
Yes, it is ideal for busy weeknights, especially if you use pre-cooked sausage.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 13.33 grams of fat.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving provides 36.67 grams of carbohydrates.
What cheese is used for topping?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for topping the dish.
How do I combine the sauces?
In a large mixing bowl, stir the Alfredo sauce and pesto sauce together until they are well blended.
Should the pasta be cooked in salted water?
Yes, the instructions recommend boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water.
What is the recommended thickness for the sausage slices?
The sausage should be sliced into coins that are approximately 1/2-inch thick.
How do I ensure the pasta is properly coated?
Gently fold the cooked ziti into the sauce and sausage mixture until every piece is well coated.
Can this dish be served immediately?
Yes, it is best served immediately after combining the hot pasta with the sauce.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that is likely to become a household staple.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a stove, a large pot for pasta, and a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While Ziti is traditional for this recipe, other shapes like penne or rigatoni would also work well.
How much sausage is required?
The recipe calls for one pound of Italian sausage.
Does the recipe require any preparation for the cheese?
The Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for the best flavor.
Is there any sugar or fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional data provided does not list specific values for sugar or fiber.
When do I add the sausage to the sauce?
Add the sliced sausage to the blended sauce mixture before folding in the pasta.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish features a rich, creamy texture with aromatic basil and robust, hearty sausage.
How much pasta is used?
The recipe uses one pound of ziti pasta.
Can this be made as a weekend dinner?
Yes, it is perfectly suited for both busy weeknights and hearty weekend meals.