For an extra layer of flavor, consider browning the sausage with a tablespoon of minced onion or shallot. To prevent the pasta from drying out during baking, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first 15 minutes of baking. Remove the foil for the last 10-15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown. This baked ziti can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Feel free to substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, or a vegetarian sausage alternative.
Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti
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PREP TIME35 mins
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COOK TIME40 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 15 mins
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SERVING8 People
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VIEWS11
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this comforting and flavorful Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti. Layers of perfectly cooked ziti pasta, savory Italian sausage, vibrant spinach, and a rich cheese blend create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate23 g
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Cholesterol84 mg
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Fiber4 g
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Protein32 g
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Saturated Fat15 g
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Sodium1261 mg
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Sugar7 g
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Fat30 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPreheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
02
StepBring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
03
StepWhile the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Crumble and cook Italian sausage until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
04
StepReserve 1/3 cup crushed tomatoes. Add remaining crushed tomatoes to the skillet with sausage. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chopped spinach. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
05
StepIn a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, heavy whipping cream, 4 ounces of cubed mozzarella cheese, 4 ounces of shredded Parmesan cheese, and garlic granules. Season with salt to taste.
06
StepAdd the cooked sausage mixture and ricotta mixture to the drained pasta. Toss gently to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add the reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
07
StepSpread the reserved 1/3 cup of crushed tomatoes evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the dish, creating an even layer. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and cheeses.
08
StepBake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if desired.
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Pansy Walter
Jun 29, 2025I used gluten-free pasta and it worked great!
Scarlett Feil
Jun 28, 2025This was so easy to make and everyone loved it! I will definitely be making this again.
Annetta Marquardt
Jun 24, 2025I assembled this the night before and baked it the next day. It was a huge time-saver!
Moises Considine
Jun 19, 2025I thought the ziti needed a little more seasoning. I added some extra Italian seasoning and it was perfect.
Emory Hoppe
Jun 14, 2025I added some sauteed mushrooms and it was delicious!
Adele Bednar
Jun 13, 2025I made this for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Kailyn Roberts
Jun 10, 2025The recipe was easy to follow and the ziti came out perfect!