Ingredients

The following ingredients have 5 Servings
  • 8 ounces Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can tomato sauce (28-ounce)
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounce)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups water
  • 12 ounces ziti (about 3 3/4 cups)
  • 6 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 6 ounces baby spinach (about 6 cups)
  • 6 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 2 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup)
  • 8 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese (1 cup)

Instruction

  • In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, breaking the meat into 1/2-inch pieces, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomato sauce, diced tomato (with the juice), oregano, salt, sugar, and pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the water, pasta, 1/4 cup basil, and increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer vigorously, stirring often, until the pasta is still very firm but starting to soften, 6 to 8 minutes. Meanwhile, adjust the oven rack 8 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler.
  • Remove the pasta from the heat and stir in the spinach, 3/4 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan. Dollop the surface of the pasta evenly with the ricotta and then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Broil the ziti until the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons of basil and serve.