February here in Manitoba always feels like the longest month of the year (as ironic as that is!). It’s usually cold, and it’s been cold for a while. We’re expecting probably another two months of snow, so summer is a long ways off, and there aren’t any big holidays we’re looking forward to. Easy, hearty meals like this Baked Ziti with Italian Turkey Sausage are the ones that keep us going! With 3 kids under 8, pasta is always a hit on our table, especially when it’s loaded with mild Italian turkey sausage, tomato sauce and cheese. The fact that I can prep it entirely in advance makes this the perfect dinner for those days loaded with after school activities, and I love knowing that dinner is taken care of when we finally make it home. Italian turkey sausage is one of my favorite things to add to pasta because it’s lean, easy to cook and adds such incredible flavor that we really don’t have to go too crazy with our herbs and spices. I always have a package in the freezer for easy meals like this Baked Ziti! I’ve made a few other healthier swaps in this Baked Ziti, but no one will ever know when they taste it! I use high fiber white pasta when I can (notice that penne works just fine!), and always look for tomato pasta sauce with no added sugar. If you prefer, you can use low fat mozzarella cheese in place of the full fat cheese, but since it’s just a small amount on top I usually go for the real deal 😉 This Baked Tortellini with Turkey and this Healthier One Pot Skillet Lasagna are two more of our favorites turkey pasta recipes!
How to prep this Baked Ziti ahead:
This baked ziti is easily prepped ahead for a no-work weeknight meal! Here are some tips:
Prepare the Baked Ziti up until the point of baking it. Wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 3-4 days before baking and serving. Continue with baking instructions in the recipe to heat and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Another great meal prep idea is to cook up a bunch of Italian turkey sausage when you bring it home from the grocery store, then freeze in small-medium freezer containers or bags so you can pull them out for a quick meal. Having a great protein cooked and ready to throw in makes dinnertime so much simpler!
How to freeze this Baked Ziti with Italian Turkey Sausage:
Prepare the Baked Ziti up until the point of baking it. Wrap tightly (with plastic wrap and foil, or a lid if your container has one, although I still recommend lining with plastic or beeswax wrap to prevent freezer burn) and freeze on a flat shelf up to 3 months. To bake, remove any plastic wrap and cover once more with foil or a lid. Bake according to recipe directions, but add 20-30 minutes, until heated through. If you want to cut down on bake time, remove the casserole 24-48 hours in advance and let thaw in the refrigerator, then continue on with the original baking instructions.
More make ahead casseroles you’ll love!
French Toast Casserole Turkey Pot Pie Healthier Baked Mac and Cheese
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