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Cheesy Sausage and Pepper Baked Ziti
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13 Baking Dish
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
  • Add the diced onion, sliced peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3 minutes.
  • Combine the drained ziti with the sausage mixture in the skillet or a large bowl.
  • Spread half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and half the Parmesan.
  • Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, then finish with the rest of the cheeses.
  • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Notes

For a crispier cheese topping, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes. Leftovers reheat well in a 350 degree oven with a splash of water to keep the pasta moist. You can assemble the whole thing up to a day ahead, cover it, and bake straight from the refrigerator, adding 10 extra minutes to the cook time.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Large Pot, Large Skillet, 9x13 Baking Dish, Oven