Imagine a dish that combines the spicy kick of hot Italian sausage, the earthy richness of Swiss chard, and the luxurious creaminess of crème fraîche - all nestled in perfectly cooked ziti pasta. This isn't just another baked pasta recipe; this is a culinary journey that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a recipe that's both comforting and excitingly gourmet!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 2 cups swiss chard, chopped
- 1 cup creme fraiche
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to properly bake the ziti.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 ounces of ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 pound of hot Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the 2 cups of chopped Swiss chard to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the Swiss chard has wilted down and is tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, the sausage and Swiss chard mixture, 1 cup of crème fraîche, and 2 cups of marinara sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Serve the baked ziti hot, garnished with additional fresh Swiss chard or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven and you want to avoid mushy noodles.
- Use high-quality hot Italian sausage for maximum flavor impact - the spiciness is key to this dish's character.
- Fresh Swiss chard makes a huge difference compared to frozen, so opt for fresh when possible.
- Don't skip letting the dish rest after baking - this helps the ingredients meld and makes serving easier.
- For extra richness, you can mix some grated Parmesan into the mozzarella topping.
- If you prefer a less spicy version, substitute mild Italian sausage.
- Ensure your baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
