Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe - Authentic Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Baked Ziti with Sausage is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage with the creamy texture of cheeses and the satisfying bite of pasta. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a warm, inviting meal that feels like a hug in a dish. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs, making it a staple in many households.

History

The origins of Baked Ziti can be traced back to Italy, where pasta casseroles have been a staple for centuries. However, the specific combination of ziti pasta with sausage and a creamy cheese sauce is a distinctly American innovation, likely developed by Italian immigrants as a way to adapt their traditional recipes to the ingredients and tastes of their new home. Over time, Baked Ziti with Sausage has become a beloved dish in American cuisine, known for its ease of preparation and its ability to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked ziti or other tube pasta
1 lb (454 g) sliced italian sausage
1 stick butter or margarine
1 cup sliced mushrooms (about 4 oz or 113 g)
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup parmesan cheese
1 tsp pepper

How to prepare

Cook the ziti according to the package instructions and drain.
In a saucepan, brown the sausage.
Remove the sausage from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Melt the butter in a skillet and sauté the mushrooms, green pepper, and onion until they are just tender.
Blend the flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring well until it is blended and bubbly.
Gradually add the milk and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to boil.
Continue to cook and stir for 1 minute.
Blend in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and pepper, stirring until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth.
Stir the hot, cooked ziti and sausage into the vegetable cheese sauce.
Pour the mixture into a greased 2-3 qt (2.84 liter) casserole dish.
Top with the remaining cup of cheddar cheese.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes or until it is hot and bubbly.

Variations

There are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
Substitute the sausage with ground beef, turkey, or a plant-based alternative.
Add in other vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or eggplant, for extra nutrition and flavor.
Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Baked Ziti with Sausage turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Use high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. You can choose between sweet, mild, or spicy depending on your preference.

- Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

- For a smoother sauce, whisk the flour and milk together before adding them to the vegetables.

- To add depth to the dish, consider incorporating a splash of white wine into the sauce.

- If you prefer a crispy top, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Baked Ziti with Sausage hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. A side salad or steamed vegetables make excellent accompaniments to balance out the richness of the dish.

Cooking Techniques

For the best results, use a combination of stovetop cooking for the sausage and vegetables and baking for the final casserole. This ensures that each component is cooked perfectly before being combined and baked to bubbly, golden-brown perfection.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're missing an ingredient or need to make a substitution, here are some ideas:

- No Italian sausage? Use ground beef or a plant-based sausage alternative.

- Out of cheddar cheese? Try mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.

- No green bell pepper? Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers work just as well.

Make Ahead Tips

Baked Ziti with Sausage can be assembled up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Baked Ziti in a beautiful casserole dish, garnished with fresh herbs. Offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to add to their liking.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Baked Ziti with Sausage with a light, crisp salad to cut through the richness of the dish. For wine, a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the flavors of the sausage and cheese.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help prevent the sauce from drying out during reheating.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Baked Ziti with Sausage contains approximately 500-600 calories. The exact calorie count can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Baked Ziti with Sausage contains approximately 45-55 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source of these carbohydrates is the pasta, which provides energy for the body. To reduce the carbohydrate content, you can substitute regular pasta with a lower-carb alternative, such as whole wheat or legume-based pasta.

Fats

This dish is relatively high in fats, primarily from the sausage, cheese, and milk. A serving can contain between 20-30 grams of fat, depending on the specific ingredients used. To lower the fat content, opt for leaner sausage, low-fat milk, and reduced-fat cheeses.

Proteins

Baked Ziti with Sausage is a good source of protein, providing about 20-25 grams per serving. The protein comes from the sausage and the cheeses, making it a satisfying meal that can help support muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, including calcium from the cheese and milk, vitamin C from the green bell pepper, and several B vitamins from the pasta and sausage. To boost the vitamin and mineral content, consider adding more vegetables, such as spinach or tomatoes.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include gluten (from the pasta and flour), dairy (from the milk and cheeses), and potentially soy (in some brands of sausage). To make this dish allergen-friendly, you can use gluten-free pasta, dairy-free cheese alternatives, and soy-free sausage.

Summary

Baked Ziti with Sausage is a comforting, satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with various vitamins and minerals. However, it can be high in calories and contains common allergens, so consider making substitutions as needed to fit your dietary requirements.

Summary

Baked Ziti with Sausage is a classic comfort food dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family dinner. With its rich flavors, creamy cheese sauce, and satisfying pasta, it's sure to become a favorite. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most mouth-watering aroma that wafted from her oven.

"What are you cooking, Maria?" I asked eagerly, my stomach rumbling in anticipation.

She smiled mischievously and replied, "Baked Ziti with Sausage. It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations."

I watched intently as Maria effortlessly whipped up the dish, combining ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and gooey mozzarella cheese in a large baking dish. As the dish baked in the oven, the smell only grew more tantalizing, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

When the timer finally dinged, Maria pulled the bubbling dish out of the oven and placed it on the table. We both took our first bites, and I was instantly hooked. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that warmed me from the inside out.

"Maria, you have to teach me how to make this," I begged, my taste buds still tingling with delight.

And so, Maria graciously shared her family recipe with me that day, and I have been making Baked Ziti with Sausage ever since. Over the years, I have made a few tweaks here and there, adding my own personal touch to the dish, but the core of the recipe remains the same.

I remember the countless times I have made this dish for my own family and friends, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. It has become a staple in my kitchen, a beloved comfort food that brings joy and warmth to all who taste it.

As I reflect on the journey of how I learned to make Baked Ziti with Sausage, I am filled with gratitude for Maria and her generosity in sharing her family recipe with me. It has become more than just a dish; it is a connection to the past, a piece of culinary history that I am honored to carry on.

And so, whenever I make Baked Ziti with Sausage, I am transported back to that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where the scent of tomato sauce and melting cheese filled the air, and a lifelong love affair with this delicious dish began.