This Sausage and Spinach Baked Ziti is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Packed with protein from savory sausage and cottage cheese, fiber-rich spinach, and wholesome ziti pasta, it delivers balanced nutrition in every bite.
With gooey melted mozzarella on top and a robust tomato sauce, it’s a satisfying, quick, and family-friendly option that’s both flavorful and nourishing.
Baked Ziti with Spinach and Sausage
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 large skillet (for cooking sausage and sauce)
- 1 9"x13" baking dish (for assembling ziti)
- Cooking spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound fresh sausage any preferred type
- 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven for Perfect Baking: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking, allowing the cheese topping to turn golden and bubbly while the flavors meld perfectly.
- Cook the Ziti Pasta to Al Dente: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of ziti pasta and cook for about 7 minutes, just until al dente. Drain the pasta carefully and set aside, keeping it warm. Be mindful not to overcook, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Sauté the Sausage for Flavorful Protein: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of fresh sausage and cook thoroughly until browned. Remove the sausage, slice into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. This step builds a rich, savory base for the dish.
- Cook the Aromatics for Flavor Depth: In the same skillet, sauté 2 cloves of minced or grated garlic for 2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it provides a flavorful foundation for the tomato sauce.
- Build the Tomato Sauce for Richness: Add 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, and 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste to the skillet. Stir gently and simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Season and Enrich the Sauce: Stir in 3 tablespoons of Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Add 1 cup of frozen chopped spinach and 1 cup of cottage cheese. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the spinach to thaw and the cottage cheese to melt slightly, creating a creamy, nutrient-rich sauce.
- Combine Pasta, Sausage, and Sauce: If the skillet is large enough, add the cooked pasta and sliced sausage directly into the sauce. Stir gently until evenly combined. If not, return the drained pasta to its cooking pot, then add the sausage and sauce, mixing thoroughly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish for Even Cooking: Lightly coat a 9"x13" baking dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the pasta mixture evenly into the dish.
- Top with Cheese for Golden Perfection: Sprinkle 1 1/4 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. This will melt and create a golden, bubbly crust during baking.
- Bake the Ziti Until Bubbly and Golden: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. The cheese should be completely melted, golden brown, and the sauce bubbling around the edges.
- Rest Before Serving for Best Texture: Remove the ziti from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier while allowing flavors to settle.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop portions onto plates and serve warm. Pair with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete, balanced meal. This dish is filling, protein-rich, and perfect for families or meal prep.
Notes
- Use fresh or pre-cooked sausage; sweet or spicy varieties both work.
- If preferred, substitute frozen spinach with fresh baby spinach, but sauté first to remove excess water.
- Cottage cheese can be swapped with ricotta for a creamier texture.
- For an extra cheesy topping, mix mozzarella with a little Parmesan.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Let the baked ziti rest before serving to help it hold its shape.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
- Adjust salt and Italian seasoning to taste depending on the sausage’s saltiness.
- Optional: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Perfect for meal prep, as it reheats well and flavors intensify overnight.
Chef’s Secrets for Flavor Boost
To make this baked ziti truly irresistible, focus on layering flavors.
Browning the sausage thoroughly adds depth and richness to the dish, while sautéing garlic first unlocks its aroma.
Simmering the tomato sauce with a pinch of sugar balances acidity naturally.
Using cottage cheese or ricotta instead of heavy cream keeps it lighter but still creamy.
Finally, topping with mozzarella ensures a golden, melty finish that draws everyone to the table.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Everyone
Serve this baked ziti with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese.
Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is ideal for soaking up leftover sauce.
For a lighter option, pair with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
This dish also works beautifully as a hearty lunch or packed for work or school meals, as the flavors remain delicious even when reheated.
Storage Tips for Best Freshness
Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes for the best texture, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To prevent the pasta from drying out, cover tightly with foil while baking or reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Whole wheat ziti adds fiber, while gluten-free pasta works perfectly. Just adjust the cooking time to achieve al dente texture.
2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a flavorful vegetarian version.
3. How do I prevent the baked ziti from becoming watery?
Drain the pasta well and avoid overcooking spinach. Simmer the sauce to reduce excess liquid, and let the dish rest after baking to firm up.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the ziti in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to baking time if chilled.
5. Can I make it extra cheesy or low-fat?
For extra cheesy, add a mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone.
For a lighter option, use part-skim mozzarella or reduce the amount of cheese, and substitute cottage cheese for ricotta or whole-milk cheeses.
