Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
4. Add the diced peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the sausage and pepper mixture. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake the ziti for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 29g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta you like instead of ziti.
- You can use ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage.
- You can use any type of bell pepper you like.
Variations:
- You can add chopped spinach or kale to the pasta mixture for extra nutrition.
- You can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, instead of mozzarella.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- You can make this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the ziti in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the ziti in individual bowls or on plates.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the ziti is too dry, you can add a little bit of water or chicken broth to the pasta mixture before baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, slightly spicy, cheesy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the ziti hot and fresh out of the oven.
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Region: Italian