Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Spinach
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sausage mixture, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella. Mix gently until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta during the boil since it will continue to soften in the oven. If you want a bit more vegetable content, you can stir in an extra handful of spinach during the final skillet step. Leftovers reheat well in a covered dish at 350 degrees F with a splash of water to keep the pasta moist.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Large Pot, Large Skillet, 9x13 Baking Dish, Mixing Bowl
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Large Pot, Large Skillet, 9x13 Baking Dish, Mixing Bowl