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

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • 9x13 Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  • Stir the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with the sausage and pepper mixture. Fold in the ricotta cheese until evenly distributed.
  • Transfer half the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle with half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Notes

Let the baked ziti cool completely before covering tightly and freezing for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat covered at 350 degrees until hot throughout. If the sauce seems thick after thawing, add a splash of water before baking. Skip the ricotta if you prefer a firmer texture.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Large Skillet, Large Pot, 9x13 Baking Dish