This One Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage is full of flavor but easy on the dishes! It’s made with turkey Italian sausage, spinach, tomato sauce and loaded with cheese — the perfect weeknight dinner! Includes step by step recipe video.
So, I was a little flabbergasted last fall when this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti blew up the internet.
If I had known that you love a good slow cooker pasta as much as I do (this Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Mac and Slow Cooker Hamburger Helper are two of my other favorites!), I would have done it long before.
I’ll have to admit, I figured that there would be immediate backlash because (a) it’s not baked, and (b) I didn’t even use ziti, but you guys seemed to forgive and go for it just because it’s a super easy, nutritious weeknight meal. Around here, “weeknight meals” are about all we can manage.
And so I’m BACK. With another not-actually-baked-not-actually-ziti baked ziti recipe.
It has only taken me about a year, which is probably about average for how long it takes me to catch on to what you actually want to see here.
For this version, I wanted to keep things simple and bump up the flavor, lose a few calories, and a pot or two. Since it’s 30 Minute Thursday here, we’re getting it done in one pot with no waiting (okay, hardly any!).
Love one pot pastas? Try this One Pot Chicken Chow Mein!
For this recipe, I used turkey Italian sausage instead of beef, I used crushed tomatoes and a whole whack of spices instead of jarred tomato sauce (although I won’t judge you if that’s all you have), I added some spinach (yay for sneaky greens!), and I used Rigatoni instead of Penne to try to trick you into believing I could actually find ziti around here (still — I cannot).
This is a meal we could eat over and over again, and I don’t even have to bribe my children to eat it. For me, that’s a big win! Plus, we all hate dishes, don’t we??
One Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage Recipe + VIDEO
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 4 links Italian turkey sausage (or regular Italian sausage)
- 1/2 medium onion finely diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoon basil
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 320 g Rigatoni or Ziti pasta about 5 cups
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Remove turkey sausage from casings and fry in large skillet over medium-high heat until crumbled and brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add spinach, red pepper flakes, salt, parsley, oregano, basil, tomatoes and broth and stir until combined. Stir in the pasta.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook, stirring often, until pasta is tender, about 12-15 minutes (smaller pasta will take less time). Top with cheese, cover and let sit until cheese is melted. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Steve says
Made this tonight. Easy, quick and delicious recipe.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Steve! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for the review!
Sarah says
Going to make but add thin sliced zucchini. Love veggie good for kids.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hope you enjoy it Sarah!
Christian Stubø says
When you say four links of italian sausage, what is that in weight? I live in a country where Italian sausage isn’t really a thing, and none of the stores around here have it, so I would have to substitute.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Christian! I haven’t weighed it but it’s roughly 12-16 ounces. Hope this helps!
Savannah Elliott says
I’m making this tonight! It looks delicious!!
Ashley Fehr says
I hope you enjoyed it!
Andra says
Silly question, but when you say 5 cups pasta, is that uncooked or cooked? I’m assuming uncooked.
Ashley Fehr says
Uncooked! 🙂
Melanie says
This looks like something I could make after a 12 hour day before I completely collapse on the couch. Possibly tomorrow if I have everything. ??
Ashley Fehr says
I’d love to hear how it turns out!
Melanie says
I haven’t been able to find Italian Turkey sausages in grocery stores in Vancouver (very little turkey sausage even). Would plan chicken/turkey sausage combined with a couple of tablespoons of Italian seasoning work instead?
Ashley Fehr says
You could do that, or you could use pork Italian sausages. It will have the same flavour but a little higher in calorie.
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says
I definitely wouldn’t have to bribe my kids to eat this one either! We love baked pasta around here. Also, isn’t ziti and penne the same? I always thought it was…..but what do I know?! 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
Haha, right?! And who cares anyway?? 😉
Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says
I need more one pot meals like this! This meal would disappear in no time at our house!
Jess @ Sweetest Menu says
Oh man oh man this looks good! I’ve never actually made or eaten ziti but I think I need to try! Love this gorgeous recipe x
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
I’m all for un-baked, baked ziti! This looks super cozy and perfect for Fall!