Save to Pinterest A comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta, savory sausage, creamy ricotta, and vibrant spinach, all baked under a bubbling layer of melted cheese.
A comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta savory sausage creamy ricotta and vibrant spinach has always been a family favorite.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 1 pound (450 g) ziti or penne pasta
- Meat: 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage (mild or hot) casings removed
- Vegetables: 4 cups (120 g) fresh spinach roughly chopped 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped 3 cloves garlic minced
- Dairy: 1 1/2 cups (375 g) ricotta cheese 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese divided 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 large egg
- Sauce: 1 jar (24 oz/680 g) marinara sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried basil 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
- Cook pasta:
- Cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente Drain and set aside
- Cook sausage:
- In a large skillet over medium heat add olive oil Cook the sausage breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through about 5 7 minutes Remove excess fat if needed
- Sauté onion and garlic:
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft about 3 minutes Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant
- Cook spinach and season:
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted about 2 minutes Season with oregano basil red pepper flakes (if using) salt and black pepper
- Simmer sauce:
- Pour in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes Remove from heat
- Mix ricotta mixture:
- In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese egg and half of the Parmesan until well combined Season lightly with salt and pepper
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- In a large bowl combine cooked pasta sausage spinach sauce ricotta mixture and 1 cup mozzarella Mix gently to combine
- Layer casserole:
- Transfer half of the mixture to the prepared baking dish Top with half of the remaining mozzarella Add the rest of the pasta mixture and finish with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling
- Rest:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings the family together, creating memorable dinners filled with laughter and comfort.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Mixing bowls 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish Wooden spoon Aluminum foil
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (pasta) Milk (ricotta mozzarella Parmesan) Egg Sausage may contain additional allergens (e.g. soy gluten) check labels Not suitable for vegetarians or those avoiding pork unless using alternatives
Nutritional Information
Calories 590 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 32 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This baked ziti recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or entertaining guests with minimal fuss.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes, maintaining similar textures and holding the sauce effectively.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Swap Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage and consider whole-wheat pasta for additional fiber.
- → Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Absolutely, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added during the sauté step for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → What cheeses are used in this dish?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses provide creaminess, meltiness, and a savory finish.
- → What oven temperature is best for baking?
Bake at 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a golden, bubbling cheese crust.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble in advance and refrigerate before baking to save time on the day of serving.