Italian Ziti Medley

This hearty Italian Ziti Medley is a comforting family favorite that combines savory Italian sausage with tender mushrooms and green peppers, all nestled in a rich, creamy cheddar and parmesan sauce. The dish offers a perfect balance of textures, from the firm bite of the pasta to the velvety cheese sauce. It's an ideal solution for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where you want to serve something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, creating a bubbly, golden-topped casserole that appeals to both children and adults.

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 4

Calories: 485

Description

This hearty Italian Ziti Medley is a comforting family favorite that combines savory Italian sausage with tender mushrooms and green peppers, all nestled in a rich, creamy cheddar and parmesan sauce. The dish offers a perfect balance of textures, from the firm bite of the pasta to the velvety cheese sauce. It's an ideal solution for busy weeknights or casual gatherings where you want to serve something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, creating a bubbly, golden-topped casserole that appeals to both children and adults.

Ingredients

Italian sausage
Sliced mushrooms
Chopped onion
Milk
Butter or margarine
Green pepper strips
All-purpose flour
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Grated parmesan cheese
Cut ziti, uncooked
Pepper

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Slice the Italian sausage into coins.
3
In a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until no longer pink.
4
Remove sausage from the pan and drain off excess fat, setting the sausage aside.
5
In the same pan, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
6
Add the sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and green pepper strips to the pan.
7
Sauté the vegetables until they are tender but not browned, about 5-7 minutes.
8
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetable mixture and stir to coat evenly.
9
Gradually stir in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
10
Continue cooking and stirring over medium-low heat until the mixture begins to boil and thickens.
11
Boil and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
12
Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, the grated parmesan cheese, and the black pepper until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
13
Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain well.
14
Stir the hot cooked ziti and the browned sausage into the cheese vegetable sauce.
15
Pour the mixture into a buttered 2-quart casserole dish.
16
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
17
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 485kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 36g56%
Saturated Fat 19.5g98%
Cholesterol 83mg28%
Sodium 824mg35%
Total Carbohydrate 11.6g4%
Dietary Fiber 0.9g4%
Sugars 4g
Protein 28g57%

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

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/italian-ziti-medley-2/