Savory Italian Baked Ziti with Spinach and Sausage
This Savory Italian Baked Ziti combines the bold flavors of hot Italian turkey sausage with fresh spinach and a rich marinara sauce, all layered with gooey mozzarella and sharp parmesan cheese. Perfect for family gatherings, this hearty dish serves up satisfaction for any crowd, bringing a delicious twist to traditional ziti. The addition of pesto enriches the sauce with fresh basil flavor, while the chopped spinach adds a nutritious, vibrant touch. This classic pasta bake is not just a dinner winner; it's a recipe that you'll want to share with friends and family at every opportunity.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
hot Italian turkey sausage
3/4 lb (casings removed)
medium onion
1 (chopped)
large garlic cloves
3 (chopped)
diced tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (with juice)
pesto sauce
1/4 cup (ready to use)
ziti pasta
10 ounces (cooked according to package instructions)
fresh spinach leaves
8 ounces (chopped, stems removed)
mozzarella cheese
6 ounces (cubed)
grated parmesan cheese
1 cup (divided into 1/3 cup and 2/3 cup portions)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a heavy large saucepan over medium heat, add the Italian turkey sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture until the sausage is fully cooked and browned, approximately 10 minutes, breaking the meat apart with the back of a spoon.
3
Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the pesto sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
While the sauce simmers, lightly coat a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, chopped fresh spinach, cubed mozzarella cheese, and 1/3 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the hot tomato sauce over the pasta mixture and stir gently until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are well-coated.
6
Transfer the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Italian Baked Ziti with Spinach and Sausage?
It is a hearty pasta dish that combines hot Italian turkey sausage, fresh spinach, and marinara sauce, layered with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
What kind of sausage is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of hot Italian turkey sausage with the casings removed.
Can I substitute the hot Italian turkey sausage?
Yes, while the recipe uses hot Italian turkey sausage, you can substitute it with sweet Italian sausage or pork sausage if preferred.
What type of pasta is required?
You will need 10 ounces of ziti pasta, cooked according to the package instructions.
How do I prepare the sausage and onion mixture?
Sauté the sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a heavy saucepan for about 10 minutes until the meat is browned.
What kind of tomatoes are used for the sauce?
Use one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes with their juice.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The tomato mixture should simmer gently for about 10 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
When should the pesto sauce be added?
Stir in the 1/4 cup of pesto sauce after the tomato mixture has finished simmering.
What oven temperature is needed for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking dish should I use?
The recipe requires a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the dish?
Lightly coat the baking dish with a bit of oil before adding the pasta mixture.
How should the fresh spinach be prepared?
Remove the stems and chop 8 ounces of fresh spinach leaves.
How do I incorporate the spinach into the dish?
Add the chopped spinach to the hot pasta and sauce mixture; it will wilt as you stir it in.
How is the mozzarella cheese prepared?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of mozzarella cheese to be cubed.
How is the parmesan cheese divided?
The 1 cup of parmesan is divided into two portions: 1/3 cup to be mixed into the pasta and 2/3 cup to be sprinkled on top.
What ingredients are mixed in the large bowl?
Combine the cooked ziti, chopped spinach, cubed mozzarella, 1/3 cup of parmesan, and the hot tomato sauce.
How long does the ziti need to bake?
Bake the dish for approximately 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the baked ziti is done?
It is finished when the sauce is bubbling and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
Should the dish be served immediately?
It is recommended to allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 3 large garlic cloves, minced.
What role does pesto play in this recipe?
Pesto enriches the sauce with a fresh basil flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, it is described as a hearty dish perfect for family gatherings and crowds.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While ziti is traditional for this bake, other tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni would also work.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients: sausage, onion, garlic, tomatoes, pesto, ziti, spinach, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Is this an easy meal to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy weeknight meal and a simple pasta bake.
What are some common tags for this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, family dinner, italian pasta dish, and cheesy casserole.
What provides the acidity in the sauce?
The acidity comes from the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes and their juice.
Can I add more vegetables?
The recipe specifically features spinach, but you could easily add mushrooms or peppers during the sauté step.
How is the meat broken up during cooking?
Break the meat apart with the back of a spoon while sautéing.
Does the recipe require salt and pepper?
Yes, season with salt and pepper to taste after adding the pesto to the sauce.