A delicious and easy one-skillet baked ziti recipe featuring hot Italian sausage, marinara sauce, spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella, all cooked and baked in a single pan for minimal cleanup.
1. Preheat the oven to 425F.
2. Make the spinach & ricotta: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet (or oven-safe pot) over medium heat. Add the spinach and 2 cloves of garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Sauté until wilted, 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the ricotta, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and a few grinds of pepper, then set aside in the fridge.
3. Make the ziti: In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened, 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining 3 cloves of garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then add the sausage (casing removed if applicable). Cook, breaking it into small pieces with your spatula, until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir in the marinara sauce, then stir in the uncooked pasta. Add the water.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens, 12-15 minutes. (Add more water if needed for desired pasta tenderness once excess liquid is absorbed).
6. Spoon dollops of the spinach ricotta mixture evenly across the top, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and some of the pasta edges are crisped. Serve warm with grated Parmesan on top and enjoy!
