Baked Sausage & Ziti

Nothing says "comfort food" like a baked pasta dish! This Baked Sausage & Ziti Meal Prep comes in clutch with lean Italian chicken sausage, al dente ziti noodles, a flavorful red sauce and melty cheese to top it all off. This macro-friendly meal tastes even better as leftovers!

NOTES: Any lean sausage with at least twice as much protein compared to fat will work, but we used Isernio's. The dried marjoram in this recipe can be swapped for Italian seasoning or oregano, and the ziti can be swapped for gluten free pasta. You can even use dairy free mozzarella if needed.

Baked Sausage & Ziti Meal Prep
Makes 6 servings

Ingredients:
12 oz. dry ziti noodles
24 oz. lean Italian chicken sausage (we used Isernio's)
1 tbsp. (3 cloves) garlic, minced
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes, no salt added
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving

1/2 tsp. dried marjoram or oregano  

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
6 oz. 2% mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Bring water to a boil, then cook pasta about 2 minutes less than the lowest time on the box for firm al dente.

Meanwhile, cook sausage over medium heat until lightly browned in spots.

Add garlic, and saute for 1-2 minutes.

Add crushed tomatoes, basil, marjoram, and red pepper flakes; simmer sauce for another 5 minutes; then pour over cooked pasta.

Gently combine parmesan, pasta, and sauce together.

Rub olive oil with a paper towel over the bottom of a 11x17" casserole dish, then spread pasta mixture over bottom.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over top and bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is browned and melted.

Calories (per serving): 464kcal, Fats: 10.4g, Sat Fat: 4.4g, Carbs: 53g, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 8g, Protein: 39g, Sodium: 1,005mg