Zucchini, Sausage, and Feta Casserole: A Comforting Classic with a Zesty Twist

There are certain dishes that just feel like a warm hug on a plate, and this Zucchini, Sausage, and Feta Casserole is undeniably one of them. I first encountered a version of this delightful creation years ago, tucked away in an issue of Cooking Light from July 2007. What struck me immediately was its clever balance of hearty, familiar flavors with a lightness that felt perfect for both weeknights and casual entertaining. It quickly became a go-to in my own kitchen, a reliable recipe that never fails to satisfy, transforming humble zucchini into a star alongside savory sausage and tangy feta.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: One 11×7-inch casserole
• Dietary Type: Standard

Ingredients

This recipe is a beautiful symphony of textures and tastes, bringing together wholesome ingredients to create a truly satisfying meal.

• 2 ½ cups ziti pasta, uncooked
• 8 ounces chicken sausage
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 5 cups zucchini, thinly sliced (about 2 medium-large zucchini)
• 2 cups onions, vertically sliced (about 1 medium onion)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

Equipment Needed

To bring this delicious casserole to life, you’ll want to have a few key pieces of kitchen equipment ready:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large nonstick skillet
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• 11×7-inch baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Instructions

The process is straightforward, designed to bring maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This initial high heat will help everything bubble and brown beautifully.
2. Begin by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook for 5 minutes. Crucially, omit salt and fat from the boiling water as instructed. This might seem unusual, but it’s key to the casserole’s texture and flavor balance later on. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly.
3. Prepare the sausage. Remove the casings from the chicken sausage. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the pan with cooking spray. Add the sausage to the hot skillet. Cook until browned, stirring frequently and breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
4. Now, let’s build the vegetable base. Add the olive oil to the same skillet you used for the sausage. Once the oil is shimmering, add the zucchini, onions, kosher salt, black pepper, and minced garlic.
5. Cook the vegetables for approximately 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the zucchini is just beginning to brown. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. This gentle sautéing will soften the vegetables and release their natural sweetness.
6. Prepare the binder. In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth and all-purpose flour. Whisk them together until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
7. Add this broth mixture to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly.
8. Now it’s time to bring everything together. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini mixture, the cooked ziti pasta, the browned sausage, and the crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
9. Assemble the casserole. Lightly coat your 11×7-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spoon the pasta and vegetable mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
10. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
11. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Zucchini, Sausage, and Feta Casserole from delicious to truly exceptional, consider these professional insights:

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Boiling the pasta for just 5 minutes is crucial. It will continue to cook in the oven, and overcooked pasta can become mushy in casseroles.
• Embrace the Browning: Don’t be afraid to let the zucchini and onions get a little bit of color in the skillet. This caramelization adds a depth of flavor that’s essential.
• Fresh Garlic is Key: While dried garlic can work in a pinch, freshly minced garlic provides a much more vibrant and aromatic foundation for the vegetable sauté.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before you combine everything, give the zucchini mixture a quick taste (once it’s cooled enough to do so safely). Adjust salt and pepper if needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of the feta cheese.
• Broth Consistency: If your broth mixture seems a little too thick or thin after cooking for a minute, don’t fret. The flour should have thickened it nicely. If it seems surprisingly thin, a tiny bit more whisking can help redistribute the flour.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Zucchini, Sausage, and Feta Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or a side of crusty bread for soaking up any delicious sauce. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, to enjoy the gooey cheese and tender pasta at their best.

Leftovers will keep well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, you can either warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or for a crispier top, reheat the entire casserole (or portions) in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	348.7	–
Calories from Fat	–	–
Total Fat	11 g	16%
Saturated Fat	4.7 g	23%
Cholesterol	60.4 mg	20%
Sodium	774.6 mg	32%
Total Carbohydrate	46 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	3.4 g	13%
Sugars	7.3 g	29%
Protein	17 g	34%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is wonderfully balanced as is, feel free to play with it to suit your preferences:

• Sausage Swap: If chicken sausage isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute with pork sausage or even a spicy Italian sausage for a little extra kick. For a vegetarian option, consider using crumbled plant-based sausage.
• Veggie Additions: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like diced bell peppers or chopped spinach (wilted before adding).
• Herb Infusion: A tablespoon or two of fresh chopped parsley or dill tossed in with the pasta mixture can add a lovely fresh note.
• Cheese Variations: While feta and mozzarella are classic, a bit of crumbled goat cheese or shredded Parmesan could also be delicious additions.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the mozzarella topping and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Why is the pasta only cooked for 5 minutes?
A: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Cooking it for only 5 minutes ensures it will be perfectly al dente and not mushy when the casserole is done.

Q: What kind of chicken sausage works best?
A: Any pre-cooked chicken sausage will work well. Mild, Italian-style, or even a slightly spiced variety will contribute nicely to the flavor profile.

Q: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: You can make this gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensuring your sausage is also gluten-free.

Q: How can I make this recipe lighter?
A: The recipe already uses lean chicken sausage and fat-free broth. You could further reduce fat by reducing the amount of mozzarella cheese or opting for a lighter cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Zucchini, Sausage, and Feta Casserole is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. It’s a dish that embodies comfort without being heavy, offering a delightful blend of savory, tangy, and tender elements. I encourage you to invite it into your kitchen, perhaps on a bustling weeknight or for a relaxed weekend gathering. Share it with loved ones, and I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire, just as it has in mine. Enjoy every delicious, comforting bite!