Description
Baked Ziti with Sausage and Pumpkin is the ultimate comfort food that combines the creamy richness of ricotta, savory sausage, and sweet pumpkin in a cheesy, hearty dish. Perfect for chilly nights, this easy-to-make recipe brings your loved ones together for a delightful dining experience without the need for fancy reservations. With vibrant flavors and textures layered beautifully, it’s sure to impress at any gathering or cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (100% pure)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot.
- Cook ziti until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown Italian sausage over medium heat until crumbly.
- Stir in pumpkin puree and marinara sauce; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix ricotta with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses; season with salt and pepper.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of ziti, sausage mixture, then the cheesy mixture. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg