Baked ziti with sausage is a comforting Italian-American favorite that's easy to make and satisfying to eat.
This recipe combines spicy Italian sausage, vibrant spinach, and a mix of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses baked with ziti pasta and marinara sauce.
It’s a perfect meal for family dinners or when feeding a crowd, delivering rich flavors and a cheesy texture everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Italian sausage adds savory and slightly spicy depth that complements the mild cheeses.
- Spinach adds freshness and nutrition while blending seamlessly with the rich sauce and cheese.
- Baking the dish allows the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden crust.
Baked Ziti with Sausage and Spinach
A comforting baked pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, fresh spinach, marinara sauce, and layers of creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella cheese.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 35 minutes
- Servings
- 6
- Yield
- 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) ziti pasta or penne
- 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce
- 5 cups (150 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup (240 g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Sausage Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage and Spinach While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Combine with Sauce and Cheeses In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage and spinach mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Assemble and Bake Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake and Serve Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Don’t overcook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- For a creamier texture, you can stir in a little heavy cream or milk into the cheese mixture before baking.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat portions in the microwave or covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, ground beef can be substituted for Italian sausage, but you may miss the distinctive flavor and spice that Italian sausage provides.
How do I know when the baked ziti is done?
The cheese should be fully melted and bubbly with a lightly golden top, and the dish should be heated through, usually about 30-35 minutes total baking time.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it right before serving, adding a few extra minutes if it’s baking from cold.
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Food Safety and Allergen Notes
Cook ground pork or beef sausage to 160°F (71°C), and reheat the finished casserole to 165°F (74°C). This recipe contains wheat and milk; verify sausage and sauce labels for additional allergens.
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