One-Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Spinach
A hearty baked ziti combining spicy Italian sausage, tender pasta, and vibrant spinach in a rich tomato sauce melted with mozzarella and Parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs ziti pasta, Italian sausage, casings removed, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cups water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb Italian sausage and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and bring to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add 12 oz uncooked ziti pasta and 3 cups water to the skillet. Stir to combine, then cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Fold in 4 cups chopped fresh spinach and half of the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the spinach wilts and the cheese starts melting.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden on the edges.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Spinach?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ziti pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Spinach?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Spinach?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
