Ingredients

8 ounces ziti rigati pasta , uncooked
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper , chopped
2 cubanelle peppers , chopped
1 medim onion , chopped
12 ounces spicy sausage or 12 ounces sweet Italian sausage , 4 links
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese , shredded
1/4 cup parmesan cheese , grated
1/4 cup fresh parsley , chopped
2 cups marinara sauce ( from 24- or 26-ounce jar )
Sausage & Pepper Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner at home. The dish is a favorite among families and is often found on the menu at Italian restaurants. The combination of spicy sausage, sweet peppers, and creamy, cheesy pasta is irresistible. This dish is also great for meal prep and can be easily reheated for a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.Cook pasta according to package instructions.
3.Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add chopped onions, cubanelle peppers and red bell pepper. Cook until veggies are soft. Add sliced sausages and cook for 5-7 minutes.
4.In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Add cooked and drained pasta. Stir well.
5.Add cooked sausage and pepper mixture to the bowl and stir.
6.Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add the pasta mixture over it. Top with the remaining marinara sauce.
7.Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top.

PROS

Sausage & Pepper Baked Ziti is a mouthwatering pasta dish which is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
It’s hearty, flavorful and can easily feed a crowd.
You can customize the dish according to your taste preferences by using sweet or spicy sausages and adding more vegetables.

CONS

This dish is high in calories and may not be suitable for those on a diet.
The sausage used in the recipe can be high in saturated fat and sodium.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Sausage & Pepper Baked Ziti may not be the healthiest dish around, it does have some redeeming qualities. The dish contains a good amount of protein from the sausage and cheese. The peppers used in the recipe are a good source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. However, it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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