Baked ziti with turkey sausage recipe to check in 2023
Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations. This hearty and flavorful casserole dish is perfect for feeding a crowd and can easily be made ahead of time, making it a popular choice for busy weeknights and holiday gatherings. In this recipe, we’ve added a twist by incorporating lean Italian turkey sausage for a healthier alternative to traditional sausage meat.
To make this baked ziti with Italian turkey sausage recipe, start by cooking 12 ounces of your favorite tube pasta according to the package instructions. We recommend using whole-wheat ziti or another pasta variety that’s packed with fiber for a healthier meal. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
Next, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook one pound of Italian turkey sausage until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Add in 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and cook for another minute or until fragrant.
Stir in one 6-ounce can of tomato paste and cook for another minute, then add one can of marinara sauce, 1 diced bell pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
How to prep this Baked Ziti ahead:
If you’re short on time or want to make meal prep easier, you can prepare this baked ziti with Italian turkey sausage recipe ahead of time. Here’s how:
1. Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
2. Make the sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook one pound of Italian turkey sausage until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Add in 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and cook for another minute or until fragrant. Stir in one 6-ounce can of tomato paste and cook for another minute, then add one can of marinara sauce, 1 diced bell pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
3. Combine the pasta and sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of part-skim ricotta cheese, 2 cups of low-fat mozzarella cheese, and 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese. Add in the cooked pasta and stir until well combined.
4. Assemble the dish: To assemble the dish, spread a layer of the sauce mixture in the bottom of a greased baking dish, then add a layer of the pasta mixture on top. Repeat these layers until all of the ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of sauce on top. Sprinkle another 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
5. Prepping for later: Once the dish is assembled, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, just remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while you preheat the oven.
6. Baking: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and bake the dish, covered with foil or plastic wrap, for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. To get a golden brown crust, remove the foil or plastic wrap for the last 10 minutes of baking.
By prepping this dish ahead of time, you can save time and still enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Baked Ziti with Italian Turkey Sausage
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd. This recipe for baked ziti with Italian turkey sausage is a healthier twist on the traditional version, without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor.
To start, cook 12 ounces of your favorite tube pasta, such as ziti, according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, sauté 1 pound of Italian turkey sausage meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, as well as a teaspoon each of fennel seeds and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Add a diced bell pepper and a few cloves of minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the vegetables are soft. Stir in a can of tomato paste and a jar of marinara sauce, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of part-skim ricotta cheese, 2 cups of low-fat mozzarella cheese, and 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese. Add a teaspoon of garlic salt for added flavor.
When the pasta is ready, drain it and add it to the skillet with the sausage and sauce. Toss to combine, then transfer half of the pasta mixture to a 9 x 13 inch baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Top with half of the cheese mixture, then repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to bake the ziti, preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This baked ziti with Italian turkey sausage is a healthier, but still delicious take on a classic comfort food. With just a little bit of prep ahead of time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in no time.
Instructions
Instructions are an essential part of any recipe. They provide a guide to help you navigate the cooking process and ensure that everything turns out as intended. When it comes to a dish like baked ziti with turkey sausage, following the instructions is crucial to creating a mouth-watering meal that you and your loved ones will enjoy.
First and foremost, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients before you start. This will save you time and make the actual cooking process much more efficient. As you go through the recipe, make sure to read each step carefully and follow them in the exact order they are listed.
When cooking the turkey sausage, be sure to cook it over medium-high heat until it’s fully cooked. This ensures that you get a nice, browned exterior and the flavors are fully developed. Don’t forget to season the meat with some salt, black pepper, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes for added flavor.
As you assemble the pasta, meat, and sauce mixture, make sure to layer it properly in the baking dish. Adding a layer of sauce to the bottom of the dish helps prevent the pasta from sticking, while also providing extra flavor to each bite. Also, be sure to alternate layers of pasta with the cheese mixture to ensure that everything is well-distributed throughout the dish.
When the dish is ready for baking, ensure that it’s covered before placing it in the oven. This ensures that the pasta doesn’t dry out and the cheese stays melted and gooey. Also, don’t forget to preheat the oven to 375°F before baking. This ensures that the dish will be evenly cooked and turn out perfectly.
Once it’s time to serve, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. Garnish it with some fresh parsley or basil for added freshness and flavor. Following the instructions carefully will ensure that your baked ziti with turkey sausage turns out just as you hoped – delicious and satisfying.