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Baked Ziti with Sausage and Butternut Squash

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta and Filling:
  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preparing the Ingredients: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Cooking the Sausage Mixture: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté 3–4 minutes until fragrant and softened. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 minutes.
  • Assembling the Baked Ziti: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, sausage mixture, and ricotta cheese. Mix gently. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top.
  • Baking: Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.