Save A comforting Italian-American casserole featuring ziti pasta, savory sausage, tender spinach, and a bubbling layer of melted cheese.
This baked ziti has always been a hit with my family on busy weeknights, bringing everyone together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) ziti pasta
- Meats: 450 g (1 lb) Italian sausage (mild or spicy) casings removed
- Vegetables: 200 g (7 oz) fresh baby spinach (or thawed frozen spinach squeezed dry), 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 3 garlic cloves minced
- Sauce: 700 ml (24 oz) marinara sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Cheeses: 250 g (9 oz) ricotta cheese, 200 g (7 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, 60 g (2 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until just al dente Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large skillet heat olive oil over medium heat Add onion and cook until softened about 3 minutes Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Step 4:
- Add sausage to the skillet breaking it up with a spoon Cook until browned and cooked through about 7 minutes Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 5:
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (for fresh) or heated through (for frozen) about 2 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Stir in marinara sauce tomato paste oregano basil and red pepper flakes Simmer for 5 minutes Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7:
- In a large mixing bowl combine cooked ziti sausage-spinach sauce and ricotta cheese Mix until evenly coated.
- Step 8:
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan over the top Add remaining pasta mixture and top with remaining cheeses.
- Step 9:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes Remove foil and bake an additional 10 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Step 10:
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Save Sharing this dish with family has created many cherished moments over homemade meals and celebrations.
Required Tools
Large pot, Large skillet, Mixing bowl, Baking dish (23x33 cm / 9x13 inch), Aluminum foil
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta), milk (cheeses), and may contain egg (ricotta check label) Contains pork (sausage substitute as needed) Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 615 Total Fat 28 g Carbohydrates 60 g Protein 32 g per serving
Save This recipe is perfect for recipe rotation and impressing guests with minimal effort.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the Italian sausage with another meat?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausage can be used as a lighter alternative without compromising flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to maintain richness and texture.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy during baking?
Cook the ziti until just al dente and avoid over-saucing. Draining well before mixing helps maintain firmness.
- → Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if baking from cold.
- → What cheese combinations work best for a golden topping?
Combining shredded mozzarella with grated Parmesan creates a bubbly, golden crust packed with flavor.