This Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Spinach is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. The combination of savory Italian sausage, nutritious spinach, and creamy, gooey cheese creates a delightful and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. This dish is baked to perfection, offering a deliciously crispy top with a warm, cheesy interior.
Ingredients:- 1 pound ziti pasta- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference), casings removed- 1 tablespoon olive oil- 1 medium onion, chopped- 3 cloves garlic, minced- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce- 1 teaspoon dried basil- 1 teaspoon dried oregano- Salt and pepper, to taste- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped- 1 cup ricotta cheese- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta and the sausage-spinach-tomato mixture. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
8. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the pasta. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese layers. Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
12. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
13. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Spinach!
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