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Baked Ziti with Italian Turkey Sausage Recipe

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4.2 from 15 reviews

This Baked Ziti with Italian Turkey Sausage is a comforting, hearty casserole that combines savory turkey sausage, tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked ziti is slightly crispy on top with melted cheese and seasoned with Italian herbs for a classic Italian-American flavor.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb Italian turkey sausage (casings removed)
  • 1/2 medium onion (finely diced)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Seasonings and Sauce

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups Marinara sauce

Pasta

  • 375 grams white high fiber penne or rigatoni pasta (about 4-5 cups)

Cheeses

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Sausage: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian turkey sausage until it is just cooked through.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt to the sausage. Stir frequently as the onion softens, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and then remove the pan from heat to let the flavors meld.
  4. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne or rigatoni pasta according to package directions, but remove it from the heat 1-2 minutes before the recommended time so it retains a slight bite (al dente). Drain pasta and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
  6. Layer Ingredients (First Layer): Spread a thin layer of the sausage and marinara sauce mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
  7. Layer Ingredients (Second Layer): Add half of the cooked pasta, then half of the remaining sauce mixture, dollop half of the ricotta cheese and swirl it into the sauce, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese on top.
  8. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake: Cover the baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
  10. Broil for Finish: Remove the cover and broil the baked ziti for 1-2 minutes to brown and crisp the cheese topping, if desired. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

  • Use lean Italian turkey sausage for a healthier option with traditional Italian flavors.
  • High fiber pasta adds extra nutrition and keeps the dish satisfying.
  • Removing pasta early ensures it doesn’t become mushy when baked.
  • If you prefer, substitute part or all of the turkey sausage with ground beef or Italian pork sausage.
  • Baking covered helps heat the casserole evenly and keeps it moist.
  • Broiling at the end gives a delicious golden and crispy cheese crust.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking, just add a few extra minutes to bake time if baking cold.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/baked-ziti-with-italian-turkey-sausage-recipe/