This Olive Garden-inspired Neapolitan Ziti is a comforting, savory dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home table. The combination of sweet and hot Italian sausage provides a delicious depth of flavor and a pleasant kick of heat, perfectly balanced by a rich marinara sauce made with canned tomatoes, tomato puree, and fresh basil. Tender ziti pasta absorbs the robust sauce, while sautéed green bell peppers add a fresh, crisp texture. ItâÂÂs an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, offering a satisfying meal that is simple to prepare with pantry staples. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian-American experience that everyone will love.
Olive Garden Neopolitan Ziti
Description
This Olive Garden-inspired Neapolitan Ziti is a comforting, savory dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home table. The combination of sweet and hot Italian sausage provides a delicious depth of flavor and a pleasant kick of heat, perfectly balanced by a rich marinara sauce made with canned tomatoes, tomato puree, and fresh basil. Tender ziti pasta absorbs the robust sauce, while saut&# 195;©ed green bell peppers add a fresh, crisp texture. ItâÂÂs an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, offering a satisfying meal that is simple to prepare with pantry staples. Serve hot, garnished with parsley and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese for an authentic Italian-American experience that everyone will love.Ingredients
Directions
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Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Fry or bake the Italian sausages until fully cooked through. Drain excess fat, allow to cool slightly, then halve and slice into 1/2-inch pieces.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over moderate heat. Add the green bell peppers and sauté until they have lost their crispness but are still firm, not soft.
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In a heavy saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, canned Italian-style tomatoes, tomato puree, minced garlic, olive oil, and chopped fresh basil. Bring to a light simmer over moderate heat.
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Stir the sautéed bell peppers and sliced cooked sausage into the simmering sauce. Heat for 3 to 5 minutes to combine flavors.
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Serve the cooked ziti topped with the sausage and pepper sauce. Garnish each plate with parsley bouquets. Pass grated Parmesan cheese at the table.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 505.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32.3g50%
- Saturated Fat 10.7g54%
- Cholesterol 80.0mg27%
- Sodium 1193.5mg50%
- Total Carbohydrate 4.9g2%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 1.0g
- Protein 42.6g86%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Ensure sausages are fully cooked before slicing to ensure food safety.
For a spicier version, increase the ratio of hot Italian sausage to sweet.
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but dried basil can be used as a substitute.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.
