Zesty Baked Ziti Delight
Indulge in our Zesty Baked Ziti Delight, a perfect harmony of flavors that comes together in a simple, fuss-free recipe. This hearty dish features succulent Italian sausage sautéed with sweet onions and vibrant green bell peppers, all enveloped in a rich mushroom pasta sauce. We’ve blended in al dente pasta and a generous helping of gooey mozzarella, creating layers of cheesy goodness that melt in your mouth. Whether you're feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a cozy family dinner, this one-dish wonder is sure to please. Customize it with spicy sausage for an added kick, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s ready in no time!
6
Servings
450
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
mild Italian sausage
1 lb (cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
onion
1 (chopped)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
pasta sauce with mushrooms
26 ounces (jar)
ziti or penne pasta
12 ounces (cooked and drained according to package directions)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (divided)
fresh parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
2
In a large skillet, brown the mild Italian sausage over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until the sausage is browned and vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3
Pour in the pasta sauce and heat until bubbling, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors. Remove from heat.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage and sauce mixture. Stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until evenly distributed.
5
Transfer the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
7
After 15 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8
Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Zesty Baked Ziti Delight!
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
40
Carbs
20
Protein
3
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Baked Ziti Delight?
Zesty Baked Ziti Delight is a hearty, cheese-filled pasta casserole featuring Italian sausage, peppers, and mushroom-infused sauce.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are mild Italian sausage, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, mushroom pasta sauce, ziti or penne, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
What type of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of mild Italian sausage, but you can use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Can I use a different pasta than ziti?
Yes, the recipe works perfectly with either ziti or penne pasta.
How much pasta is needed for this recipe?
You will need 12 ounces of pasta, cooked and drained according to the package instructions.
What vegetables are included in the dish?
The recipe includes one chopped onion and one chopped green bell pepper.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You need 3 minced garlic cloves for this recipe.
What kind of pasta sauce is recommended?
A 26-ounce jar of pasta sauce with mushrooms is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided into two parts.
Is parmesan cheese included in this dish?
Yes, 1/2 cup of grated fresh parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top before baking.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13-inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly grease the 9x13-inch baking dish before adding the pasta mixture.
How long do I cook the sausage and vegetables?
Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes over medium heat.
Should I drain the fat from the sausage?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the sausage and vegetables.
How do I incorporate the cheese into the pasta?
Stir 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella into the pasta and sauce mixture before transferring it to the baking dish.
Do I bake the dish covered or uncovered?
The dish is baked covered with foil for the first 15 minutes, then uncovered for another 15 minutes.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the baked ziti is finished?
The dish is done when the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Should I let the dish rest after baking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 25 grams of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 20 grams of protein in each serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this dish contain any fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 3 grams of fiber.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used in this dish.
What category of cuisine does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as Italian cuisine and comfort food.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is described as a fuss-free, quick dinner that is ready in a relatively short amount of time.
Can I customize the heat level of this dish?
Absolutely, you can use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild to add more heat to the recipe.