Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti Recipe – Cheesy, Hearty, and Perfect for Family Dinner

Introduction

Few dishes satisfy like a bubbling pan of Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti fresh from the oven. This classic Italian-American comfort food combines tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, garlicky tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and a generous blanket of melted mozzarella. It’s rich yet balanced, hearty yet fresh — and ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

What makes this baked ziti recipe truly exceptional is the layering of flavors. The sausage brings depth and seasoning, the spinach adds freshness and color, and the trio of cheeses creates a luscious, creamy texture that binds everything together. Baked until golden and bubbling, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with straightforward techniques and pantry-friendly ingredients.

If you’re looking for an easy baked pasta recipe that feels comforting but polished, this Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti will become a staple.

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Ingredients

Pasta

• 1 pound (16 ounces) ziti pasta

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (for pasta water)

Sausage Tomato Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot), casings removed

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, balances acidity)

Spinach & Cheese Mixture

• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach

• 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese, divided

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

• Extra grated Parmesan for serving

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt.

3. Add ziti and cook until very al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than package directions.

4. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.

Tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.

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2. Prepare the Sausage Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.

3. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes.

4. Stir in garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Add crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar if using.

6. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until slightly thickened.

The sauce should coat the back of a spoon and have a rich, savory aroma.

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3. Wilt the Spinach

1. Add fresh spinach directly to the simmering sauce.

2. Stir until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.

3. Remove from heat.

Spinach reduces significantly in volume and integrates beautifully into the sauce.

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4. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine:

• Ricotta

• Egg

• Parmesan

• 1 cup mozzarella

Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

The egg helps bind the cheese layer and creates a creamy but structured texture.

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5. Assemble the Baked Ziti

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Combine cooked ziti with the sausage-spinach sauce.

3. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish.

4. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.

5. Add remaining pasta mixture.

6. Top with remaining ricotta mixture.

7. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella evenly over the top.

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6. Bake

1. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

2. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly golden.

3. For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.

4. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Resting allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

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Why This Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti Works

• Layered cheese creates pockets of creaminess rather than a dense, heavy mixture.

• Whole-milk cheeses provide superior melt and flavor.

• Balanced acidity from tomatoes and spinach prevents the dish from feeling overly rich.

• Proper pasta cooking ensures perfect texture after baking.

This is the kind of baked pasta that feels indulgent yet thoughtfully composed.

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Expert Tips & Variations

Professional Tips

• Brown sausage thoroughly for maximum flavor — caramelization adds depth.

• Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a thin coating for richness.

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melt and flavor.

• Season in layers: taste the sauce before assembling.

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Ingredient Substitutions

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Dietary Variations

Gluten-Free:
Use certified gluten-free ziti.

Lighter Option:
Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.

Vegetarian Version:
Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.

Spicy Version:
Use hot Italian sausage and increase red pepper flakes.

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Serving Suggestions

Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread

• A crisp Caesar salad

• Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Roasted broccoli or green beans

For entertaining, serve family-style in the baking dish. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan just before bringing to the table.

The creamy cheese and savory sausage balance well with bright, acidic salads and crunchy bread.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Notes

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Assemble but do not bake.

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

• Freeze for up to 2 months.

• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.

Reheating

• Oven: 350°F, covered, 20–25 minutes until heated through.

• Microwave: 1–2 minutes per portion, loosely covered.

Add a tablespoon of water before reheating to prevent dryness.

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Preparation Timeline

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Serves 8)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 28g

• Fat: 26g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 8g

• Sodium: 890mg

Values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

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Final Thoughts

This Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti recipe delivers everything you want in a baked pasta dish: bold flavor, creamy texture, balanced richness, and dependable results. It’s elegant enough for guests yet comforting enough for a weeknight dinner.

Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting friends, or simply craving a satisfying homemade Italian-inspired dinner, this baked ziti offers classic comfort with refined execution — the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again.