Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mind-blowing twist on classic Italian comfort food! This Pumpkin Baked Ziti with Sausage is not just another pasta dish – it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, hearty flavors of Italian sausage with the subtle, creamy sweetness of pumpkin. Imagine a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that screams autumn comfort, bringing together the best of seasonal ingredients in one irresistible casserole that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until the sausage is fully cooked and no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the sausage. Add marinara sauce and pumpkin puree to the skillet, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked ziti, sausage-pumpkin sauce, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Gently mix to ensure even distribution.
- Top the pasta with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating an even layer of cheese across the surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil if desired, and serve hot as a hearty main course.
Tips
- Cook your pasta just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta and ensures the perfect texture.
- Use high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor – fresh from the butcher is always best.
- Don't skip draining the excess fat from the sausage, as this will prevent your dish from becoming greasy.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the pumpkin-marinara sauce.
- If you want a crispy top, broil the ziti for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking to create a golden, crunchy cheese crust.
- Let the dish rest for at least 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the casserole to set properly.
- This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals – you can assemble it earlier in the day and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
