Baked Ziti with Sausage and Pumpkin is like a warm hug for your taste buds. Picture this: creamy layers of cheese, hearty sausage, and the subtle sweetness of pumpkin all mingling together in a bubbling dish that promises comfort in every bite. Creamy Feta Tomato Chicken The aroma wafts through your kitchen, inviting friends and family to gather around the table, eager to dive into this delicious creation.

Let me tell you, this recipe isn’t just about filling bellies; it’s about creating memories. I remember the first time I served Baked Ziti with Sausage and Pumpkin at a cozy fall gathering. The smiles on my friends’ faces as they dug in were priceless, and let’s be honest, who can resist a cheesy pasta dish? It’s perfect for chilly evenings or festive occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe.

I still laugh thinking about how my friend tried to sneak back for a second helping while I was watching. He thought I wouldn’t notice the giant spoon he was trying to hide behind his back.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Use ziti or penne pasta; both hold the sauce well and give great texture.
• Italian Sausage: Choose spicy or sweet sausage based on your heat preference; it adds depth to the dish. Caprese Dip for BBQs.
• Canned Pumpkin: Opt for pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling for a richer flavor.
• Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness; feel free to add an egg for extra creaminess.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The gooey goodness helps create that irresistible cheesy top layer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor; don’t skimp on this! For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes recipe.
• Marinara Sauce: Choose a good-quality store-bought sauce or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices enhance the flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle helps sauté any veggies if you choose to add them.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown top everyone loves.

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside while you prepare everything else.

Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Sausage and Veggies Skillet Let that mouthwatering aroma fill your kitchen!

Mix Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cooked sausage, canned pumpkin, ricotta cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is well coated—this is where the magic begins!

Assemble Your Dish: Pour half of your pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before adding the remaining pasta mixture. Finish with mozzarella and more Parmesan on top for that gooey finish.

Bake Away!: Place your assembled ziti into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Don’t forget to take a peek at that glorious crust halfway through!

Enjoy serving up generous portions of Baked Ziti with Sausage and Pumpkin hot from the oven! Each slice will be packed with flavors that even those picky eaters won’t resist. For more inspiration, check out this Ultimate Guinness Beef Stew recipe.

Now you’ve got not just another recipe but an experience waiting to unfold at your dining table! Get ready for smiles all around as everyone dives into this comforting dish!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the sausage until browned, then prepare the pasta while the sauce simmers. Layer everything in a baking dish and bake until bubbly for perfect results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out sausage for turkey or add veggies like spinach for extra nutrition. You can even sprinkle on some crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve flavor and texture.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of that cozy fall evening when my friends gathered around my dining table, eagerly waiting to dig into this heavenly dish. Their smiles said it all!

FAQ

Can I make Baked Ziti with Sausage and Pumpkin ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake just before serving.

What can I use instead of pumpkin?

You may substitute pumpkin with butternut squash or sweet potato for similar sweetness.

How do I prevent the ziti from drying out?

Adding extra sauce or covering with foil while baking helps keep it moist and delicious.

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Baked Ziti with Sausage and Pumpkin

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Baked Ziti with Sausage and Pumpkin is a delightful comfort food that combines creamy cheeses, savory sausage, and the subtle sweetness of pumpkin into a hearty dish. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this pasta bake is easy to prepare and promises to impress your guests. The vibrant flavors meld together beautifully, creating an experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz ziti or penne pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
• 15 oz canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 24 oz marinara sauce
• Fresh basil (for garnish)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes), drain, and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage (5-7 minutes).
4. In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, sausage, pumpkin puree, ricotta, garlic powder, onion powder, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella.
5. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, add remaining pasta mixture, and top with mozzarella and more Parmesan.
6. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg