I often turn to baked ziti when I want something hearty but not too fussy. This version sneaks in some spinach for a little green and uses Italian sausage to keep things flavorful.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Baked ziti has been one of those easy comfort dishes I come back to a lot, especially when I want something warm but not complicated. The idea for this version came one day when I had some spicy Italian sausage in the fridge and a bunch of spinach that needed to be used soon. I thought combining those with plenty of mozzarella and ricotta would make a satisfying casserole that would stretch over a couple dinners.
What I really like about this dish is how forgiving it is. You can swap the sausage for ground beef, turkey, or even go vegetarian by leaving it out and using mushrooms or more veggies. The spinach keeps it feeling a little fresh, and it blends nicely with the mild ricotta. The baked cheese topping is the best part — you get those golden bubbly edges that pull apart with a little crust.
Whenever I make this, it’s a hit with the family. It’s easy to prepare ahead, too. You can get everything mixed and then bake it right before serving. The leftovers reheat well, making it a good choice if you want to plan for an extra meal or two. Plus, it’s not a dish that requires a ton of fuss — just some chopping, browning sausage, boiling pasta, and layering everything in the pan.
Overall, it’s a feel-good dish with familiar flavors but with a bit of a green veggie boost. If you’re looking for a simple pasta bake that feels satisfying and nourished, this will do the trick.
Cuisine: American Italian
Course: Dinner
Servings: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 4. Add the garlic to the sausage and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 5. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage and spinach mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, dried Italian seasoning, and half of the mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 7. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Step 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and edges start to brown.
- Step 9. Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use good quality marinara sauce for better flavor, or make your own if you have time.
- Don’t overcook the pasta before baking — you want it just al dente since it’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- If you like a little heat, try using spicy Italian sausage or adding red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Make sure to drain the cooked pasta well to avoid a watery bake.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or mild sausage for a lighter version.
- Add a cup of sautéed mushrooms or chopped bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need to keep it gluten-free.
- Switch out spinach for kale or Swiss chard depending on what you have on hand.
- Try adding a layer of sliced fresh mozzarella on top before baking for a creamier cheese crust.
