Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz. Ziti pasta (cooked)
- 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage (casing removed)
- 1 jar (24 oz.) tomato and basil pasta sauce
- 1 cup shreddeded Italian style cheese blend (mozzarella and parmesan)
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Brown the sausage in a pan over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- In a baking dish, spread out the cooked ziti pasta.
- Top the pasta with the browned sausage and pour the pasta sauce over the sausage and pasta.
- Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend and freshly chopped basil leaves over the top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Return to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and starts to brown.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approx. 450 calories (depending on ingredients used)
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 22g
Dish Characteristics:
- A classic American dish, rich in flavor and texture with the combination of sausage and pasta sauce.
- The dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a great main course for a meal.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The combination of sausage and pasta sauce was perfect."
- "I loved the addition of fresh basil and parmesan cheese on top. It added a nice flavor."
- "The dish was easy to make and was a hit with my family."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use a baking dish that is oven-friendly.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce.
- Adjust the amount of cheese and basil according to your preference.
- Ensure the sausage is cooked thoroughly before adding it to the pasta.
