This cheesy, crowd-pleasing pizza baked ziti combines tender pasta tossed in marinara sauce with halal sausage or pepperoni, gooey mozzarella, and classic pizza flavors baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners and quick family meals!
8ozhalal Italian sausage, casings removed (or 1 cup sliced halal turkey pepperoni)
2cupsmarinara or pizza sauce
1/2tspdried oregano
1/2tspdried basil
1/4tspgarlic powder
2cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
1/2cupgrated Parmesan cheese
1/4cupsliced black olives (optional)
1/4cupdiced green bell pepper (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage (or pepperoni), marinara sauce, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add olives and bell peppers if using.
Cover with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling. Optional: broil uncovered for the last 2–3 minutes to brown the top.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.