alfresco-chicken-sausage

Chicken Sausage Ziti Bake

Serves: 8

Author: Jessica, This Real Mom

"Who doesn’t love a meal that you can prep on Sunday and serve later in the week?! This Chicken Sausage Ziti Bake is a great meal to prep ahead for your family or to bring to a neighbor, potluck or other social occasions!"

Ingredients

1 package al fresco Sweet Italian Style Chicken Sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 pound dry ziti

8 oz of shredded Italian six-cheese blend

1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese

15 oz of ricotta

1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz) seasoned with basil, oregano, and garlic (drained)

1 jar of marinara sauce (23.5 oz)

1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend

1 teaspoon of garlic powder

Optional: finely chopped Italian parsley for garnish.

Directions:

  • 1Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan with olive oil.
  • 2Cook ziti according to package instructions.
  • 3While the pasta is cooking, brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Set aside.
  • 4In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Mix in the drained tomatoes, sausage, and pasta.
  • 5Add 1/3 of the jar of marinara to the bottom of the 9x13 pan, then layer 1/2 of the pasta mixture, 1/3 of the marinara, and 1/2 of the cheese. Repeat, then top with shredded Parmesan.
  • 6Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.
  • 7Optional: garnish with finely chopped Italian parsley.