Prepare yourself for a culinary adventure as we delve into the realm of hearty comfort food with this delectable Ziti and Sausage recipe! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a cozy gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress with its tantalizing flavors and satisfying textures.
Ziti and Sausage
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 cups | Ziti pasta |
| 1/2 cup | Butter |
| 1/4 cup | Margarine |
| 1/4 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Salt |
| 1/4 tsp | Pepper |
| 2 cups | Milk |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 1 | Egg |
| 2 cups | Small curd cottage cheese |
| 1/8 tsp | Fresh parsley, chopped |
| 1 | Sausage, sliced |
| 1 cup | Mozzarella cheese, shredded |
| 1 tsp | Paprika |
Instructions:
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Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking perfection later on.
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Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Once cooked, drain the pasta and transfer it to a medium-sized bowl, setting it aside for now.
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until it’s no longer pink and has achieved a deliciously golden brown color. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease and proceed to slice the sausage into half-inch pieces, ready to be incorporated into our flavorful dish.
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In a saucepan, melt the butter and margarine together over medium heat until they form a luscious, golden pool of liquid delight. Once melted, stir in the all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, ensuring that the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
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Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps from forming. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil, then continue to cook and stir for approximately 2 minutes, or until it has thickened to a luxurious consistency that will perfectly coat our pasta.
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Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully incorporated, infusing the sauce with a rich and savory flavor that will elevate our dish to new heights.
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Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked ziti pasta, tossing gently to ensure that each delightful morsel of pasta is coated in the velvety goodness of the sauce, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors in every bite.
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In a separate bowl, combine the egg, small curd cottage cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This luscious mixture will add a creamy richness and a burst of fresh flavor to our dish, elevating it to gourmet status.
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Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a generously greased 2-1/2 quart baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a solid foundation for our culinary masterpiece.
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Top the layer of pasta with the prepared cottage cheese mixture, spreading it evenly over the surface to ensure that every bite is infused with its creamy goodness.
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Now, it’s time to add the star of our dish – the savory slices of sausage. Distribute the sliced sausage evenly over the cottage cheese layer, allowing its rich flavor to permeate throughout the dish and tantalize your taste buds with each mouthwatering bite.
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Spoon the remaining pasta mixture over the sausage layer, spreading it out evenly to cover the surface of the dish and create a sumptuous layer of pasta that will delight the senses.
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Sprinkle the top of the dish with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese and a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese, ensuring that every inch is covered with a blanket of cheesy goodness that will melt into golden perfection in the oven.
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For the final touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle the top of the dish with a teaspoon of paprika, adding a subtle hint of smokiness and a vibrant pop of color that will make this dish as visually stunning as it is delicious.
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Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, uncovered, and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
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Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together and intensify, creating a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Serve your Ziti and Sausage hot and fresh from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and a burst of vibrant color that will make your dish truly irresistible.
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Sit back, relax, and savor the delicious flavors and comforting textures of this mouthwatering Ziti and Sausage dish, knowing that you’ve created a culinary masterpiece that will delight and impress even the most discerning of palates. Enjoy! 🍝🧀🌿
