Best Zucchini Ziti With Kale And Bacon Recipes

EASY BAKED ZITI

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• In an 8×8 or 9×13 glass dish, spread 1/4 cup of cauliflower sauce even on the bottom.
• Line up noodles against each other in several rows. Nestle half of the zucchini or squash strips randomly yet evenly among the noodles.
• Sprinkle the top with half of the baby kale or spinach. Season with salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle 1/3 cup of Monterey jack cheese on top.
• Scoop remaining cauliflower sauce over the top, spreading gently to create an even layer.
• Repeat steps 3-5.
• Top with homemade spaghetti sauce and Monterey jack cheese. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, until warmed through and the cheese is melted and golden.
• Serve hot with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.

ZUCCHINI BAKED ZITI

Steps:

• Boil water and cook the ziti according to package directions.
• While it is cooking, follow next steps.
• When it is done, drain and set aside in large bowl (or pot).
• Slice the zucchini.
• In a skillet, heat 1/4 cup olive oil and fry the zucchini until browned on both sides.
• Take them out of the pan and drain on paper towels.
• In a saucepan, heat the remaining 1/4 cup oil.
• Add the onion and cook until translucent.
• Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes, basil, parsley, salt and pepper.
• Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Pour into large bowl with the drained ziti.
• Rub two shallow baking pans with olive oil.
• In the first pan, put 1/4 of the ziti, then 1/4 of the zucchini.
• Dot with butter, add 1/4 of the mozzarella and then 1/4 of the Parmesan.
• Repeat the layers in that pan.
• Repeat above steps for second pan.
• Bake pans in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes until the top is brown and crusty.
• OR BAKE ONE, FREEZE ONE!
• OR FREEZE BOTH: Cover the other pan tightly with aluminum foil and freeze.
• Defrost before baking.

BAKED ZITI WITH CREAMY KALE & SAUSAGE

Steps:

• Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil.
• Meanwhile, line a large plate with paper towel. Heat a large skillet on medium-high and mist with cooking spray. Add sausage and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, 7 to 9 minutes. With a slotted spatula, transfer sausage to plate and cover with 2 more layers of paper towel, pressing lightly to absorb excess fat; set aside.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. To boiling water, add kale and cook until just tender, 1 to 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer kale to a colander and set aside to drain. Return saucepan to a boil, add pasta and cook until just barely al dente (undercooked by about 1 minute). Meanwhile, line a large bowl with paper towel and transfer kale to bowl to absorb any remaining liquid. Drain pasta and set aside.
• In a separate large saucepan, melt butter on medium-low. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute, until fragrant. Gradually whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 cup milk. Increase heat to medium-high and simmer, whisking frequently, until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in remaining 3 cups milk. Bring to a simmer and cook, whisking frequently, for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, add mozzarella and whisk until melted and mixture thickens, 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat.
• To milk mixture, add tomatoes, salt, pepper, sausage, pasta and kale and stir to combine. Transfer to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and top with Parmigiano-Reggiano. Bake until cheese melts and sauce bubbles, 15 to 18 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
• (MAKE AHEAD: Prepare up to 24 hours ahead, but don't bake. Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. To serve, bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until sauce is bubbly. You can bake this dish at home then reheat, covered, at your host's place in a 350°F oven just until warmed through.).