Baked Ziti and Sausage

Name: Baked Ziti and Sausage
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 3 cups uncooked ziti or other small tube pasta; 1/2 pound Italian sausage links; 1/4 cup butter, cubed; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided; 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon pepper, divided; 2 cups 2% milk; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 cups 4% cottage cheese; 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley; 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; Paprika

This is my husband's favorite casserole, and he requests it often. He loves the combination of zesty Italian meat and three types of cheese, which together create a scrumptious baked ziti with sausage.—Christina Ingalls, Manhattan, Kansas

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked ziti or other small tube pasta
1/2 pound Italian sausage links
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon pepper, divided
2 cups 2% milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 cups 4% cottage cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Paprika

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; place in a large bowl. In a small skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and cut into 1/2-in. slices.
In a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Pour over pasta; toss to coat.
In a small bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese, parsley, and remaining Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Top with cottage cheese mixture. Add sausage to the remaining pasta mixture; spoon over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and paprika.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°.

Originally published as Baked Ziti and Sausage in Casserole Cookbook

Reviews

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Average Rating:

Rachel

Apr 22, 2019

I first made this recipe about 10 years ago. It was delicious! I remembered it recently and was searching for it and was so happy to have found it! I’ve added it to our menu rotation and have happy tummy’s in the house!
Victoria

May 5, 2018

Best baked ziti recipe I have ever made, I add a little ricotta to the cottage but by far this is fantastic! One of my families favorite dinner meals, the only issue is that it only lasts one meal with fighting over it, best feeling a wife and mother can have!!
katecrid47

Feb 5, 2015

This was easy enough and was good. My kids weren't fond of it but the hubby loved it!
deerock

Dec 10, 2014

we didn't care for this so wont make again
Chevysmom10

Aug 9, 2014

Everyone loved this will definitely keep this one around great flavor easy to throw together!
patgilcrest

Mar 29, 2013

When I made the white sauce I added some Hollandaise sauce leftover from breakfast and it was magnificent.
ilovetocook4

Jul 14, 2011

I have a large family so its easy to make and it feeds everyone.I love it.
jenji79

Feb 12, 2011

The white sauce is a great change from regular baked ziti. Had a good taste.
LaFrenierM

Nov 28, 2010

I made this recipe with bulk Italian sausage instead of sausage links. Super Yummy! :D
alwayshopeful

Oct 7, 2010

This was absolutely delicious! Family loved it!!