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Baked Ziti with Sausage

Name: Baked Ziti with Sausage
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Cuisine: Europe, Italian
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, room temperature, lightly beaten; 2 cups 4% cottage cheese; 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley; 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese; Paprika

25 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 30 min.

Makes

6 servings

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

Baked Ziti with Sausage Recipe photo by Taste of Home

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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, room temperature, 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. Preheat oven to 350°. 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 until thickened, 2 minutes. 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, until a thermometer reads 160°, 30-35 minutes.

Baked Ziti With Sausage Tips

Can you make baked ziti with sausage ahead of time?

Yes! Baked ziti will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Cut it into individual portions, place them in freezer bags or freezer-safe containers and reheat them for an instant meal. Here's how to store all your leftovers to keep them tasting their best.

How can you make baked ziti with sausage your own?

Baked ziti with sausage is easy to make your own—switch up the cheese blends, add your favorite red sauce, or even try some add-ins such as sliced pepperoni or black olives. If you’re a fan of a certain restaurant favorite, you can even try our copycat baked ziti.

What can you serve with baked ziti with sausage?

Serve this baked ziti with a generous slice of garlic bread—perfect for catching any last bits of sauce and cheese! Round out the meal with a crunchy veggie salad.

—Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Associate Recipe Editor/Tester

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 523 calories, 28g fat (14g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 1406mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.