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Baked Ziti with Sausage in Tomato Sauce Topped with Pesto Recipe

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3.8 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

This delicious Baked Ziti with Sausage is a hearty Italian-American casserole featuring ziti pasta tossed in a rich tomato sauce with flavorful Italian sausage and baby spinach. Topped with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and vibrant pesto, then baked to bubbly perfection and broiled for a golden cheesy crust, it’s a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 lb ziti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely minced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (removed from casing)
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups baby spinach, packed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese and Toppings

  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ cup pesto
  • 1 ball mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain well.
  2. Cook Sausage and Vegetables: While the pasta is boiling, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and the Italian sausage (removed from casing), breaking up the sausage with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink and fully cooked through. If excess fat accumulates, carefully remove it from the pan.
  3. Finish Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the pan with the sausage mixture and bring to a simmer. Add the packed baby spinach and cook until wilted. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Transfer the cooked ziti into a 9×11-inch casserole dish. Pour the sausage and tomato sauce over the pasta and mix thoroughly. Stir in about 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
  5. Add Cheese and Pesto Toppings: Spoon the pesto in small dots evenly over the pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top. Tear the mozzarella ball into pieces and scatter them evenly over the casserole.
  6. Bake and Broil: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the dish is hot and bubbling. Remove the foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is nicely browned and bubbly. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Removing excess fat after cooking the sausage helps prevent a greasy sauce.
  • Try to evenly distribute the pesto dots for balanced flavor in every bite.
  • You can use spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a bit of heat.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving ensures it sets and is easier to portion.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/baked-ziti-with-sausage-in-tomato-sauce-topped-with-pesto-recipe/