Imagine a dish that captures the essence of fall in every single bite - creamy, cheesy, and bursting with seasonal flavors that will make your taste buds dance! This Pumpkin Baked Ziti with Sage Sausage is not just another pasta recipe; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet celebration of autumn's most beloved ingredients. Prepare to be transported to a world of rich, comforting flavors that blend the earthiness of pumpkin with the aromatic warmth of sage sausage, all nestled under a blanket of melted, golden cheese.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 pound sage sausage
- 1 can pumpkin puree
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your baked ziti cooks evenly and is hot throughout when it comes out of the oven.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sage sausage. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, pumpkin puree, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese and sausage mixture. Stir gently until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the ziti mixture evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Layer the remaining ziti mixture over the Parmesan cheese in the baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the rest of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will help to melt the cheeses and heat the dish through.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to cut into portions.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional sage leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Baked Ziti with Sage Sausage!
Tips
- For the most flavorful results, use fresh sage sausage and ensure it's thoroughly browned before mixing with other ingredients.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy texture.
- Use full-fat ricotta and mozzarella for the creamiest, most luxurious sauce possible.
- If you want extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cinnamon to complement the pumpkin.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
- For a crispy top, consider finishing under the broiler for 2-3 minutes if you want more golden, crunchy cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain the dish's texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 653kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 95mg
