Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Bake
The Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that brings comfort with a touch of sophistication to your dinner table. It features a harmonious blend of Italian sweet sausage, fresh zucchini, and pasta, all smothered in a creamy tomato sauce and topped with a generous amount of melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for those seeking to add variety to their meal plans with a combination of rich flavors, textures, and nutrition.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- Italian sweet sausage: 500g (1.1 lbs)
- Fresh zucchini: 2 medium-sized, thinly sliced
- Creamy tomato soup: 1 can (10.75 oz or 305g)
- Dried basil: 1 tsp (5 ml)
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp (5 ml)
- Dried parsley: 1 tsp (5 ml)
- Italian blend shredded cheese: 200g (7 oz)
- Rigatoni pasta: 450g (1 lb)
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp (30 ml)
- Salt: to taste, for seasoning zucchini
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: 100g (3.5 oz)
- Cheese cubes for topping: 50g (1.75 oz)
Method
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Start by thinly slicing the zucchinis and salting them lightly to draw out moisture. Let them sit for a few minutes before patting them dry with paper towels.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook the sliced zucchini until it begins to soften and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the Italian sweet sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until browned and no pink remains.
- Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a deep baking dish, layer the cooked rigatoni, browned sausage, and sautéed zucchini. Pour the creamy tomato soup over the top and sprinkle with dried basil, oregano, and parsley.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and cheese cubes evenly across the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving to let it set.
The Sausage and Zucchini Pasta Bake is a wonderfully satisfying dish that perfectly balances the richness of Italian sausage with the lightness of zucchini and the heartiness of pasta. Topped with a creamy tomato sauce and a variety of cheeses, it’s a meal that promises to delight your taste buds and add a touch of elegance to your dinner routine. Its ease of preparation and rich flavor profile make it a must-try for any home cook looking to elevate their meal plans.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: Approximately 650
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 30g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fiber: 4g