Neelys Baked Ziti

Recipe courtesy The Neelys

Show: Down Home with the NeelysEpisode: That’s Amore

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (101)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(101)

Cook Time:
50 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
6 to 8 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 50 min
Total:: 1 hr 10 min

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Ingredients

Salt
1 pound ziti
1 pound hot Italian turkey sausage, casing removed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
6 ounces pesto
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 (9-ounce) package washed spinach
Butter, for baking dish
2 cups shredded mozzarella, plus more for topping
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan, plus more for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add ziti and cook until al dente. Drain in a colander.

In a large skillet over medium heat, saute turkey sausage. Add onion and garlic and saute until the sausage is cooked through. Use your spoon to break up the sausage while it cooks. Add the can of diced tomatoes and pesto and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan and mozzarella to a large bowl, and stir to combine.

Butter a 4-quart baking dish, add the cooked pasta, then sausage mixture and cheese mixture. Top with a sprinkling of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake until completely heated through and golden and crisp on top, about 20 minutes.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Neelys Baked Ziti
Lorena Erin, TN 11-11-2009
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Lots of flavor
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I made this with whole grain penne, gave it another level of flavor. Makes a lot!!! good to make in 2 smalller pans & maybe... freeze one or give to a friend whose having a busy week or not feeling well. Also great for pot luck dinners. Thanks to the Neelys for a easy & very flavorful recipe.Read more
recipe Neelys Baked Ziti
Jessica Brooklyn, NY 10-25-2009
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Delicious and so easy!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I substituted the sausage with chicken/turkey and pesto sausage and it complimented the sauce really well! Super easy to... make and super delicious!Read more
recipe Neelys Baked Ziti
null null, null 10-23-2009
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The best Ziti ever
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I recently had friends over for dinner and this was the first time making the dish and I decided to make it because my... husband like meat and vegetables so I figured this was the best of both world. Everyone enjoyed it and my girlfriend even took some home. I can't wait to make it again. Read more
recipe Neelys Baked Ziti
Natasha Round Hill, VA 10-21-2009
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Pseudo Lasagna in a Snap!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This was the first time I made ziti and it was a big hit! I used ground beef and added Italian Sausage seasoning (salt,... garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper and paprika). It was a little difficult to mix the cheeses with the spinach, but it worked out perfectly on top of the pasta. I broiled the last few minutes to brown the cheese on the top of the casserole. I actually made this on a Sunday and we ate it the next day (as we believe any casserole is better after it's sat for a day!)Read more
recipe Neelys Baked Ziti
Franklin Chesapeake, VA 10-17-2009
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Spectacular
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I've never been a baked ziti fan, and when I saw the Neelys make it on the show, I just had to try it. I used the exact... ingredients, and it was spectacular. However, it is just me and my wife - so leftovers will be around for awhile, it make a lot. Recommend cutting down the ingredients for smaller portions if you are a small family.Read more
recipe Neelys Baked Ziti
Emily Keller, TX 10-14-2009
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Great Recipe!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This recipe was great! My husband doesn't even like ziti and said that he loved this dish and wanted to have it again soon.... We used regular Italian sausage instead of turkey sausage but otherwise kept everything else the same. Would definitely recommend to others. . . . Read more