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Pumpkin Baked Ziti with Sausage, Kale, and Sage Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

This Pumpkin Baked Ziti is a comforting, savory pasta dish combining sweet Italian sausage, creamy pumpkin-infused sauce, and layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for fall or any time you're craving a hearty, flavorful baked pasta, it's easy to prepare and yields a delicious family-friendly meal.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Oil

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 lb sweet Italian sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 medium cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage (or 2 teaspoons dried)
  • 1-1/2 cups firmly-packed kale leaves or baby spinach

Liquids and Dairy

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup 2% or skim milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1-1/2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

  • 1 lb pasta (ziti, rigatoni, penne, etc), cooked according to package instructions until al dente

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh or crispy sage for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside to use later.
  2. Cook Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan evenly. Add the sweet Italian sausage and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Transfer the cooked sausage to a bowl and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onion, Garlic, and Sage: Using the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sage, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Make Pumpkin Sauce and Combine Ingredients: Add pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the pan and stir until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, then remove the pan from heat. Fold in the cooked Italian sausage, cooked pasta, and kale or spinach leaves until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Layer the Baked Ziti: Spoon half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta mixture and cheeses, finishing with the Parmesan on top.
  6. Bake and Serve: Bake the ziti in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling. For a crispier cheese topping, optionally broil the dish for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh or crispy sage leaves if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting pumpkin baked ziti!

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add more vegetables.
  • Use part-skim cheeses to reduce fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid it becoming mushy after baking.
  • Kale can be substituted with baby spinach for a milder flavor.
  • Baking dish size can be adjusted but maintain layering proportions for best results.
  • Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated covered in the oven or microwave.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/pumpkin-baked-ziti-with-sausage-kale-and-sage-recipe/