Savory Italian Baked Ziti with Garlic Bread Topping
This Savory Italian Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Featuring savory Johnsonville Italian Sweet Sausage, al dente penne pasta, and a rich pasta sauce, this dish blends hearty flavors with the creamy goodness of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Topped with crispy garlic bread slices and fresh tomato slices drizzled in olive oil, every bite is a delightful combination of textures. Garnish with fresh basil for a touch of elegance and freshness that makes this dish not only delicious but beautiful as well. Share this delightful recipe with your loved ones and watch it become an instant favorite!
9
Servings
467
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Johnsonville Italian Sweet Sausage Links
19 ounces (cooked and sliced)
Penne Pasta
8 ounces (cooked and drained (about 2 1/2 cups))
Pasta Sauce
26 ounces (jarred)
Water
3/4 cup
Fresh Basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Frozen Garlic Bread
10 ounces (cut into 9 slices)
Mozzarella Cheese
3 cups (shredded)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup
Roma Tomatoes
2 (cut into slices)
Fresh Basil Leaves
9 leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Cook the Johnsonville Italian Sweet Sausage links according to package directions until browned and cooked through. Allow to cool slightly, then drain and cut the sausages into ¼-inch slices.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sausage slices, cooked penne pasta, pasta sauce, water, chopped basil, minced garlic, shredded Parmesan cheese, and pepper. Mix the ingredients well until fully combined.
4
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Spoon the sausage and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5
Arrange the frozen garlic bread slices on top of the pasta mixture in a single layer.
6
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the garlic bread slices.
7
In a small bowl, lightly dip each tomato slice in olive oil, coating both sides. Place one slice of tomato on each piece of garlic bread for added flavor and visual appeal.
8
Bake the ziti uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the garlic bread is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
25g
Fat
52g
Carbs
16g
Protein
322mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in the Savory Italian Baked Ziti?
The main protein in this recipe is 19 ounces of Johnsonville Italian Sweet Sausage Links.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of penne pasta, which is approximately 2.5 cups when cooked.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How many servings does this baked ziti recipe make?
This recipe makes 9 servings.
What are the calorie counts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 467 calories.
How long does the dish need to bake?
The dish should bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving has 25g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 52g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in one serving of this baked ziti?
There is 16g of protein per serving.
How much sodium is in this dish?
The recipe contains 322mg of sodium per serving.
What kind of cheese is mixed into the pasta sauce mixture?
The pasta mixture includes 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The topping uses 3 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How should the sausage be prepared before mixing?
Cook the sausage links according to package directions, drain them, and then cut them into 1/4-inch slices.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
You should use a 9x13-inch baking dish.
How do you prepare the tomato slices for the topping?
Lightly dip each tomato slice in olive oil, coating both sides, before placing them on the garlic bread.
Does the dish need to be covered while baking?
No, the ziti should be baked uncovered so the cheese melts and the bread becomes golden brown.
How long should the dish rest after being removed from the oven?
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What is the recommended garnish for this recipe?
Garnish with 9 fresh basil leaves before serving.
How much pasta sauce is needed?
The recipe requires one 26-ounce jar of pasta sauce.
What type of garlic bread is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of frozen garlic bread cut into 9 slices.
Is there any water added to the pasta mixture?
Yes, 3/4 cup of water is mixed in with the pasta sauce and other ingredients.
How much garlic is added to the mixture?
One tablespoon of chopped garlic is included in the mixture.
What type of tomatoes are best for this dish?
The recipe suggests using 2 Roma tomatoes, cut into slices.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of olive oil.
Can I use fresh basil inside the dish?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil is added to the pasta and sausage mixture.
Is pepper included in the seasoning?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features savory Italian sausage, rich pasta sauce, and creamy mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
How should I grease the baking dish?
You can grease the 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
How do I arrange the garlic bread slices?
Arrange the frozen garlic bread slices in a single layer on top of the pasta mixture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include baked ziti, Italian, comfort food, pasta, sausage, family dinner, and cheesy.