Italian Sausage and Ziti
Italian Sausage and Ziti is a hearty, baked pasta dish featuring ziti noodles, spicy or sweet Italian sausage, and a rich tomato-based sauce, often topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It is a staple of Italian-American home cooking, combining simple ingredients into a comforting, one-pot-style meal.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is typically high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the sausage and cheese, while also providing a good amount of protein. A standard serving generally ranges from 500 to 700 calories, with significant contributions of iron, calcium, and B vitamins.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
| Vitamin A | 80 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Calcium | 200 mg |
| Iron | 3 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.5 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Zinc | 3 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it exemplifies the adaptation of Italian recipes in America, where hearty, baked casseroles became a symbol of family gatherings and weeknight comfort. Nutritionally, the combination of tomato sauce with cheese and meat offers a balanced mix of lycopene, protein, and fat, which can enhance the absorption of certain nutrients.
