As much as I love the grilling out we get to do in the summer... I often find myself missing those "comfort" food dishes that Fall and Winter bring. And tonight I was really craving a bowl of "comfort" but considering it was near 100 degrees outside today... I didn't want it to be anything too heavy.
This ziti is my go to when I want light and tasty "comfort". With only 5 ingredients... and hardly any prep this meal can ready for the table in just over 30 minutes!
I have adapted the recipe 5 ingredient Sausage and Kale Baked Ziti from the blog Gimme Some Oven and made it into a... more skinny... version.
12 ounces whole wheat ziti
1 lb. ground Turkey Sausage (any flavor will do but I prefer the spicy- recipe below)
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 large handfuls roughly-chopped kale leaves, stems removed (be sure it's clean!)
2 cups shredded 2% low fat mozzarella cheese
optional additional toppings: shredded Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes
Preheat oven to 375.
Bring a large pot of water to boil (add salt for flavor), add your ziti and cook to package directions.
While your pasta is boiling away- add 2 Tbs. olive oil to a skillet and brown your turkey sausage. Once browned, add garlic and cook for a 2-3 minutes.
Once pasta is done drain and return to the large pot, add the kale and stir around until the kale turns a darker green color (but not wilted), add the turkey.
Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, pour your ziti mixture into the baking dish and top with mozzarella.
Bake for 20-25 minutes.
I topped with fresh basil because my garden is overgrown with my basil... and it was delicious.
Again, this dish will have the flavor from the sausage... so pick a sausage that you like.
If you can't find spicy turkey sausage in the store you can follow this recipe to make a similar version:
Homemade Spicy Turkey Sausage
Show: Emeril Live
Ingredients
1 pound ground turkey meat
1/4 cup chopped garlic
3 teaspoons chili powder
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoons cayenne
1 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoons onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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