Baked Ziti And Sausage Casserole Recipe

Name: Baked Ziti And Sausage Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups uncooked ziti pasta; 3 tablespoons oil; 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed, can use more!); WHITE SAUCE; 1/4 cup butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste); 1 pinch cayenne pepper (or to taste) (optional); 1/4 cup flour; seasoning salt or white salt; black pepper; 2 cups half-and-half; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese; CHEESE LAYER; 1 (1 lb) carton cream-style cottage cheese; 1/4 cup parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley; salt and pepper; 1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, grated; paprika

Servings: persons

2 1/2 cups uncooked ziti pasta
3 tablespoons oil
1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed, can use more!)
WHITE SAUCE
1/4 cup butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
1 pinch cayenne pepper (or to taste) (optional)
1/4 cup flour
seasoning salt or white salt
black pepper
2 cups half-and-half
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
CHEESE LAYER
1 (1 lb) carton cream-style cottage cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper
1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, grated
paprika

1
Set oven to 350 degrees.
2
Grease a 3-quart baking dish.
3
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until JUST tender (do not over-cook the pasta as it will cook more in the oven!).
4
Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
5
Heat oil; add in the sausage meat and cook until browned, remove to a plate.
6
For the white sauce; melt butter in a medium saucepan; add the onion, garlic and cayenne pepper if using) saute for about 3-4 minutes.
7
Add in flour and whisk for 1 minute.
8
Slowly add in half and half cream; bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened.
9
Remove from heat; add in 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, then season with seasoned salt (or white salt) and pepper to taste.
10
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in the bowl; mix with a wooden spoon.
11
In a medium bowl mix together the cottage cheese with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg and chopped parsley, then season with salt and lots of pepper.
12
Spoon HALF of the creamed ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish, then spread the cottage cheese mixture on top, then spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cottage cheese mixture.
13
Sprinkle the cooked sausage meat on the top.
14
Top with mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle paprika on top.
15
Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
16
Let stand about 5 or more minutes before serving.

1090

kcal

Calories

Fat

125

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 21 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 1/2 cups uncooked ziti pasta, 3 tablespoons oil, 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed, can use more!), WHITE SAUCE, and more.

Yes, Baked Ziti And Sausage Casserole falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Baked Ziti And Sausage Casserole

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions