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Nutrition Facts

Baked Ziti with Smoked Turkey

Cooks in 45 minutes
Serves 8

Cut

Breast

Difficulty

Beginner

Author

Ray Lampe, Dr. BBQ

Ingredients

  • 1 lbs. ziti pasta
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups smoked turkey, chopped
  • 25 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1 cup grated parmesan
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

Directions

This recipe uses leftover smoked turkey in a tasty and hearty way. Just chop or shred the leftover white and/or dark meat. You can freeze the meat after eating the turkey and make this recipe at a later date with great success.

Preheat the oven to 350°.

In a large kettle of boiling water cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package instructions.

Meanwhile make the sauce by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is soft.

Add the oregano, salt and both peppers. Stir.

Add the turkey and cook, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes.

Add the tomato sauce and mix. Bring to a simmer.

When the pasta is done drain it well. Add it to the sauce and mix well.

Spray a large baking dish with non-stick spray. Add half of the pasta mix to the pan and spread evenly.

Top with half of the mozzarella, half of the parmesan and half of the basil spreading them evenly over the top. Add the remaining pasta mix and smooth it out.

Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan distributing them evenly over the top.

Place in the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and top with the remaining basil. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.