Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with this baked sausage pasta recipe. Al dente ziti pasta is mixed with a savory blend of Italian sausage, tomato sauce, and spinach, then layered with gooey mozzarella and baked to perfection. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients:

For the Baked Ziti:

• 1 lb (about 450g) ziti pasta
• 1 lb (about 450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Baked Ziti

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Ziti Pasta:
   • Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Brown Italian Sausage:
   • In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove excess fat if necessary.
4. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   • Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
   • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer and Add Spinach:
   • Allow the sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld. In the last few minutes, stir in the fresh baby spinach until wilted.
7. Combine with Cooked Ziti:
   • Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the tomato and spinach mixture. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 2: Assembling and Baking

1. Layer in Baking Dish:
   • Transfer half of the ziti mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the pasta.
2. Repeat Layers:
   • Add the remaining ziti mixture and top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
3. Bake in the Oven:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden.
4. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Garlic Bread:
  • Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette for a delightful accompaniment.
• Side Salad:
  • Pair with a simple side salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

Conclusion:

This Baked Ziti with Spinach and Italian Sausage is a delicious and comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. With layers of pasta, savory sausage, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, each bite is a comforting embrace. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as leftovers, this baked ziti is a classic that never goes out of style. Buon appetito!