Italian Pasta Bake

This hearty Italian Pasta Bake is a comforting family favorite that combines tender ziti macaroni with a rich, savory sauce. The dish features sweet veal sausage, aromatic onions, and garlic powder simmered in pureed Italian tomatoes. Layers of creamy part-skimmed ricotta, sharp parmesan, and melted mozzarella create a luxurious texture that pairs perfectly with the pasta. Its an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or potlucks, offering a satisfying balance of flavors in every bite. Simple to assemble with pantry staples, this bake delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right at your table.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 966.6

Description

This hearty Italian Pasta Bake is a comforting family favorite that combines tender ziti macaroni with a rich, savory sauce. The dish features sweet veal sausage, aromatic onions, and garlic powder simmered in pureed Italian tomatoes. Layers of creamy part-skimmed ricotta, sharp parmesan, and melted mozzarella create a luxurious texture that pairs perfectly with the pasta. Its an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or potlucks, offering a satisfying balance of flavors in every bite. Simple to assemble with pantry staples, this bake delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right at your table.

Ingredients

1/2 cup DICED ONION
2 teaspoon OLIVE OR VEGETABLE OIL
1/2 teaspoon GARLIC POWDER
3 cup ITALIAN TOMATOS, PUREED
2 teaspoon BASIL LEAVES
3 cup COOKED ZITA MACARONI
6 ounce COOKED VEAL SAUSAGE
1/2 cup PART SKIMMED RICOTTA CHEESE
2 tablespoon PARMESAN CHEESE, GRATED
2 ounce MOZZARELLA CHEESE, SHREDDED

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3
Add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
Stir in cooked veal sausage and garlic powder; cook for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
5
Add pureed Italian tomatoes and basil leaves; simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6
In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti macaroni, ricotta cheese, and half of the tomato sauce.
7
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
8
Top with remaining tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella, and grated parmesan cheese.
9
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 966.6kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 56.1g87%
Saturated Fat 23.5g118%
Cholesterol 136.7mg46%
Sodium 1675.2mg70%
Total Carbohydrate 62.1g21%
Dietary Fiber 5.9g24%
Sugars 8.8g
Protein 57.0g114%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: pasta, bake, italian, ziti, sausage, veal, tomato, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic, onion, basil, dinner, family, comfort, easy, cheesy, savory, meal, oven

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/italian-pasta-bake/