Baked Ziti with Sausage

Baked Ziti with Sausage is a hearty and comforting dish that combines al dente pasta, flavorful halal sausage, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It's perfect for a cozy dinner, bringing together the best of Italian-American flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta - 200 grams
• Halal Italian sausage - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, diced
• Crushed tomatoes - 400 grams (1 can)
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Dried basil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Ricotta cheese - 120 grams
• Mozzarella cheese - 150 grams, shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Fresh basil - for garnish (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Remove the casing from the halal sausage and add it to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sausage sauce, and ricotta cheese, mixing until well combined.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
• Rich in protein from the sausage and cheese, supporting muscle health.

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