Pumpkin Sausage Baked Ziti

Pumpkin sausage baked ziti combines Italian sausage, creamy pumpkin sauce, mozzarella, and sage in an easy oven-baked pasta casserole.

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 35 min · Yield: 6 · Method: Oven

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti
• 1 lb italian sausage
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh sage
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese

Cooking instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti 2 minutes less than the package directions; drain. (about 10 min) — 375°F
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and it reaches 160°F. (about 8 min) — 160°F
3. Add the garlic and sage to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the pumpkin, cream, salt, and pepper; simmer until smooth and warmed through. (about 5 min) — Medium heat
4. Add the drained ziti and parmesan to the skillet and toss until evenly coated with the sauce. (about 2 min)
5. Spread the pasta evenly in the skillet and top with mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling. (about 20 min) — 375°F
6. Rest the baked ziti for 5 minutes before serving. (about 5 min)