Pumpkin Baked Ziti With Sweet Italian Sausage Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook the ziti according to package instructions.
• STEP 2.In a large skillet, cook the sweet Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• STEP 3.In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• STEP 4.Add the pumpkin puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
• STEP 5.Add the cooked ziti and cooked sweet Italian sausage to the skillet. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the pumpkin sauce.
• STEP 6.Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
• STEP 7.Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• STEP 8.Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
• STEP 9.Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Cooking Tips

• You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne or rigatoni, instead of ziti.
• For a vegetarian version, you can omit the sweet Italian sausage or replace it with plant-based sausage.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. You can add more nutmeg or other fall spices like cinnamon or cloves.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Storage and Serving

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through.
• Serve the Pumpkin Baked Ziti with Sweet Italian Sausage as a main dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.