Introduction
Dive into a delightful dish that combines the hearty flavors of pasta with the fresh taste of summer vegetables and savory sausage. This baked pasta recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering, providing a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for families or a casual dinner party, it’s both easy to prepare and beautifully satisfying.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 8 ounces penne, rigatoni, or ziti
– 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 large yellow squash, sliced
– 6 ounces andouille sausage, sliced
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– ½ sweet onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ¼ teaspoons Italian seasoning
– 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Prep Time
Approximately 15 minutes of preparation is needed to gather and slice all the ingredients, ensuring that your cooking experience is smooth and efficient.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time for this dish is around 30 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes in the oven for that perfect golden topping. The total time from start to finish is about 45 minutes, and this recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings.
Enjoy this delicious baked pasta dish, packed with vibrant flavors and a delightful cheese topping sure to please everyone at the table!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne, rigatoni, or ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain well to remove excess water.
Step 3: Sauté Zucchini and Squash
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced zucchini and yellow squash in batches, cooking and stirring occasionally until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, set them aside.
Step 4: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Stir in the sliced andouille sausage, chopped bell pepper, and chopped sweet onion. Cook until they are golden brown, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring until fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
Step 5: Add Diced Tomatoes
Stir in the can of diced tomatoes. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer until it slightly thickens, which should take about 7-10 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Mix in the cooked pasta, sautéed zucchini, yellow squash, and chopped fresh basil leaves until everything is well combined. Next, sprinkle the mixture evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the dish is bubbly and golden brown, around 15 minutes.
Step 8: Serve
Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Note 1: Pasta Options
You may use penne, rigatoni, or ziti based on your preference or availability.
Note 2: Sausage Alternatives
For a milder flavor, consider substituting andouille sausage with mild Italian sausage or turkey sausage.
Note 3: Fresh Herbs
For added freshness, you can substitute or supplement the basil with other herbs such as parsley or oregano.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Boiling Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, carefully add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. This ensures that the pasta is firm to the bite and will hold up well in the final dish.
Sautéing Vegetables
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced zucchini and yellow squash in batches, cooking until they are golden and tender. This technique enhances the vegetables’ flavors and texture.
Cooking Sausage and Aromatics
Using the same skillet, add more olive oil and incorporate the sausage, bell pepper, and onion. Cook until they are golden, and then add minced garlic and Italian seasoning. This method allows the flavors to meld together, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
Simmering Sauce
Stir in diced tomatoes and reduce the heat to let the mixture simmer. This technique thickens the sauce, concentrating the flavors.
Combining Ingredients
Once the sauce is thickened, mix in the cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and fresh basil. This ensures that all components are well-combined and evenly coated with the sauce.
Baking
Transfer the mixture to the oven and bake until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Baking helps to meld the flavors further and adds a delightful texture to the dish.
FAQ
Can I substitute the sausage with another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute andouille sausage with other types of sausage or even diced chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile.
What can I use instead of fresh basil?
If fresh basil is not available, you can use dried basil or a different herb such as parsley or oregano, although the flavor will vary.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or eggplant according to your preference.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of adding meat, increasing the amount of vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Conclusion
This flavorful pasta dish combines a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, hearty sausage, and gooey mozzarella, baked to perfection for a comforting meal. The vibrant colors and rich flavors make it not only a satisfying dish but also an appealing one for any dinner table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Lasagna
Layer lasagna noodles with ricotta, spinach, zucchini, and marinara sauce for a delicious vegetarian option.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill colorful bell peppers with a mixture of rice, ground meat, tomatoes, and spices, then bake until tender.
One-Pan Chicken Alfredo
Cook chicken, pasta, and vegetables in a creamy Alfredo sauce in a single pan for easy cleanup.
Pasta Primavera
Combine your choice of pasta with seasonal vegetables, olive oil, and Parmesan for a light and refreshing dish.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits
Sauté shrimp with Cajun spices and serve over creamy grits for a Southern-inspired meal.
Vegetable Stir-Fry
Stir-fry a mix of your favorite vegetables with tofu or chicken in soy sauce for a quick and healthy dish.
Eggplant Parmesan
Bread and bake slices of eggplant, layering them with marinara sauce and cheese for a delicious Italian classic.
Quinoa Salad
Toss cooked quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, and a lemon vinaigrette for a nutritious side dish.
