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As you prepare to assemble your Cheesy Baked Spinach and Sausage Ziti, the way you layer your ingredients is crucial for achieving a balanced and flavorful dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. This will prevent the pasta from sticking and create a delicious base for your ziti.

Baked Spinach and Sausage Ziti

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Baked Spinach and Sausage Ziti recipe. Combining savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a trio of delicious cheeses, this baked pasta dish is a family favorite perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's not just a meal but an experience that brings everyone together. Get ready to indulge in a heartwarming dish that’s sure to impress at dinners and gatherings.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz ziti pasta

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

5 oz fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)

14 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

15 oz ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried basil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, but reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.

      Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a bowl, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

        Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Stir in the fresh spinach (if using frozen, ensure it’s well-drained) and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

          Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sautéed sausage and spinach mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Mix until well combined.

            Assemble the Dish: Transfer the ziti mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.

              Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you can spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

                Cool and Serve: Let the ziti sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hr | 6-8 servings