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Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti
Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti
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Prep Time:
35 minutes
Cook Time:
40 minutes
Total Time:
75 minutes
Flavorful spinach and ricotta baked ziti with sausage, a simple and delicious dish.
Ingredients:
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 10 ounces bulk Italian sausage
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 1/2 cups spinach, chopped
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes, divided
  • 6 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
  • Salt to taste
  • Chopped basil – optional for garnish
Instructions:
  • Prepare the ingredients and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare the baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray. In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until just starting to become tender, approximately 5 minutes. Drain the pasta, saving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • Heat oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir Italian sausage until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
  • Set aside 1/3 cup of crushed tomatoes. Mix the rest with sausage. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and spinach. Cook for 10 minutes.
  • In a bowl, mix together ricotta, heavy cream, cubed mozzarella cheese, shredded Parmesan cheese, and garlic granules. Season with salt to taste.
  • Combine the cooked sausage and ricotta mixtures with the pasta, toss thoroughly. If the mixture appears thick, stir in reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time.
  • Evenly spread the reserved 1/3 cup of crushed tomatoes at the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer half of the pasta on top, then sprinkle half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheeses.
  • Bake the ziti in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is lightly golden brown and the pasta is heated through. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil before serving.

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