Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10 ounces bulk Italian sausage
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 cups spinach, chopped
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes, divided
• 6 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped basil, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and preheat your oven to 375F (190C).

Step 2: Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 3: In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti pasta and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until it begins to become tender. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking up the meat as it cooks, until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 5: Reserve 1/3 cup of crushed tomatoes and add the remaining tomatoes to the skillet with the sausage. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, and spinach. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, 4 ounces of cubed mozzarella cheese, 4 ounces of shredded Parmesan cheese, and granulated garlic. Season with salt to taste.

Step 7: Add the sausage mixture and the ricotta mixture to the cooked pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly. If the mixture is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 8: Spread the reserved 1/3 cup of crushed tomatoes evenly at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture over the tomatoes, and then top with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.

Step 9: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly golden brown and the pasta is heated through.

Step 10: Garnish with freshly chopped basil, if desired, and serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 491
• Total Fat: 30g (39% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 15g (76% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 84mg (28% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1261mg (55% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 23g (8% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 4g (13% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 32g (65% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 13mg (15% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 672mg (52% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (23% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 775mg (16% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.