My husband begs for this 4 ingredient dinner every single weekend and I am always happy to make it
This Oven-Baked Sausage and Pepper Ziti transforms a few simple ingredients into a warm, satisfying family meal packed with bold Italian-inspired flavors. The combination of juicy sausage, sweet bell peppers, tender pasta, and rich marinara creates a hearty baked casserole that tastes like it has been slowly prepared all day, while still being easy enough for a busy night.
Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Sausage and Pepper Ziti
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry ziti pasta | 12 ounces |
| Sweet Italian sausage links, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces | 1 pound |
| Bell peppers, any color, seeded and thinly sliced | 2 medium |
| Marinara sauce | 24 ounces (about 3 cups) |
| Olive oil (optional, for greasing) | 1 tablespoon |
| Kosher salt, plus extra for pasta water | 1 teaspoon |
| Freshly ground black pepper (optional) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Directions:
Prepare the oven and dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil if desired to help prevent sticking.
Cook the ziti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until slightly underdone, about 1 to 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Brown the sausage:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on the outside and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove any excess grease if needed.
Cook the peppers:
Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for several minutes until they begin to soften while keeping some texture.
Add the marinara:
Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet, stirring to combine everything and loosen any flavorful browned pieces from the bottom. Season with salt and pepper, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
Combine the pasta:
Add the drained ziti to the skillet and mix well until every piece of pasta is coated in the sausage, pepper, and sauce mixture.
Bake the casserole:
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until hot and bubbling. For a slightly crisp top, remove the foil during the final 5 minutes of baking.
Rest and serve:
Allow the ziti to sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve warm with generous portions of the cheesy, savory pasta casserole.
