Baked Ziti with Spinach Sausage and Mozzarella
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Ziti with Spinach, Sausage, and Mozzarella! This hearty pasta bake combines perfectly al dente ziti with savory Italian sausage, fresh baby spinach, and a rich tomato-garlic sauce infused with herbs like oregano and basil. Creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan cheese create layers of irresistible flavor, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. With just 20 minutes of prep, this crowd-pleasing casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Elevate your table by garnishing with fresh parsley for a dash of color and freshness. This baked ziti recipe delivers classic Italian-American flavors with a wholesome twist, perfect for feeding a hungry family or satisfying your comfort food cravings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage. Break it into small pieces with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the baby spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove the sauce from heat.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, the ricotta cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan. Stir in the prepared sausage and spinach sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta.
Pour the pasta mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
660 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.0 g | 53% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.1 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 114 mg | 38% | |
| Sodium | 1074 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 37.5 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.5 g | ||
| Protein | 37.5 g | 75% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 559 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 690 mg | 15% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
