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5 from 2 votes

Creamy Baked Ziti with Sausage

Ingredients

  • 3 cups raw ziti pasta
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 stick butter 8 tablespoons
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced
  • 1 bell pepper or a combination of red and green bell peppers; sliced
  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/4 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Cook ziti according to pasta directions; drain and set aside.
  • Heat the oven to 350 F.
  • Grease a 2 1/2-quart casserole.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage. Remove to paper towels to drain. Wipe the pan out with paper towels.
  • Place the skillet over medium-low heat and add the butter. When the butter has melted and stopped foaming, add the mushrooms, green bell pepper, and onion; cook the vegetables until just tender.
  • Blend the flour into the vegetable mixture, stirring until well blended and bubbly. Continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Gradually add the milk and cook until the mixture begins to boil, stirring constantly.
  • Continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, the Parmesan cheese, and the pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
  • Stir the hot cooked ziti and sausage into the sauce.
  • Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole.
  • Top the pasta with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Notes

  • Penne pasta and rigatoni are good substitutes for ziti.