Spicy Sausage and Kale Baked Ziti

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Spicy Sausage and Kale Baked Ziti is your go-to for those cozy nights when you crave something hearty yet not too fussy. With a delightful combination of spicy sausage, fresh kale, and gooey cheese, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients for Spicy Sausage and Kale Baked Ziti

The star of this dish is the spicy Italian sausage, which brings a flavorful kick that complements the creamy cheeses. The kale not only adds a pop of color but also packs in nutrients, making this comfort food a bit healthier. Ziti pasta is ideal as it holds the sauce well without getting soggy. Marinara sauce ties everything together with its rich tomato base. You'll enjoy the creamy texture from ricotta cheese, while mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses create that irresistible bubbly, golden top. A hint of heat from red pepper flakes and aromatic garlic round out the flavor profile. A touch of olive oil helps sauté the garlic and adds a subtle, rich flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, pre-cook the sausage and store it in the fridge until you're ready to use it.
  • Want more veggies? Add mushrooms or bell peppers when you sauté the sausage.
  • For a crispier top, broil the dish for a couple of minutes at the end — but keep an eye on it!

Serving Suggestions

This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta. A side of garlic bread never goes amiss, either!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work well if you're out of ziti.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
Opt for mild Italian sausage and reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for a day. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.

Spicy Sausage and Kale Baked Ziti Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that's warming up, cook your ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Once it's al dente, drain it and set it aside for later.

Next, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, giving them a quick sauté until they're lovely and fragrant, but be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Add the sausage to the skillet, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Let it brown nicely — that's where a lot of the flavor comes from. Once browned, stir in the kale and cook until it wilts down, which should take just a few minutes.

Now, in a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, the sausage and kale mixture, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese. Mix everything well so that the pasta is nicely coated.

Transfer this mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Pop it into the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and a gorgeous golden brown.

Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together even more and makes it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, with most ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • The perfect balance of spice and creaminess.
  • Loaded with flavor and nutrients thanks to fresh kale.
  • Easy to adapt with what's in your fridge.

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb spicy Italian sausage, removed from casings
2 cups kale, chopped and stems removed
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant.
4. Add sausage to the skillet, cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces.
5. Stir in chopped kale, cook until wilted.
6. Combine cooked ziti, sausage mixture, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese in a large bowl. Mix well.
7. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let cool slightly before serving.

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