Have you ever had one of those days where you just want to gather your family around the table without spending hours in the kitchen? That’s exactly why I keep this One Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage recipe tucked in my back pocket. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone running as soon as they catch a whiff of that bubbling, cheesy goodness. I still remember the first time I made this for a busy weeknight dinner—my husband walked in the door, took one look at the skillet, and said, “It smells like an Italian restaurant in here!” That, right there, is what every home cook loves to hear.
I’m not gonna lie, we’ve all had those days where the clock is ticking, everyone’s hungry, and you really don’t want to face a sink full of pots and pans. That’s where this easy one pot ziti comes to the rescue. It brings together all the comforting flavors of classic baked ziti, but you don’t have to fuss with boiling pasta separately or layering everything in a casserole dish. Everything, and I mean everything, cooks up right in one big pan. Italian sausage gives the sauce a rich, savory depth, and the mozzarella melts into a cheesy blanket right on top. Add a bit of spinach for those hidden veggies (trust me, even the picky eaters won’t complain), and you’ve got a complete meal in under 30 minutes.
One thing I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you use ziti or penne, swap out the spinach for another green, or sneak in extra herbs, it always turns out delicious. Sometimes I’ll make this on a chilly Sunday evening, and we’ll gather around the table, passing the Parmesan and tearing into a crusty loaf of garlic bread. Other times, it’s my go-to for busy weeknights, when I need something hearty but don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all night. The way the cheese stretches when you scoop into it, the aroma of Italian herbs, and the little kick from the red pepper flakes—this dish just feels like home.
If you’re craving a cozy, fuss-free pasta that’s perfect for sharing, I honestly can’t recommend this one pot baked ziti enough. So next time you need a quick dinner that’s guaranteed to win over your family, give this recipe a try. You might just find it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. Ready to make some magic happen with just one pot? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make One Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
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What You’ll Need: Ingredients
- 4 links Italian sausage
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1½ teaspoons oregano
- 1½ teaspoons basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 4 cups Penne or Ziti pasta (about 330 grams)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Step-by-Step Directions
- First, remove the casings from your Italian sausage. In a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the sausage and diced onion. Cook them together, breaking up the sausage with a spoon, until the onion turns soft and translucent—this usually takes 4 or 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes. Let everything cook for another 1–2 minutes so the herbs and garlic release their flavors.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then add the thawed, squeezed spinach. Stir everything together, making sure it’s well combined, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add your uncooked pasta directly to the pot. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick, until the noodles are just tender.
- Once the pasta is cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. If you like your sauce slightly sweeter, stir in the sugar at this point.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover the pot again and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese is completely melted and gooey. Serve hot, with plenty of grated Parmesan on the side.
Easy Substitutes for One Pot Baked Ziti
If you don’t have Italian sausage, you can swap in ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian spin. No frozen spinach? Try kale, Swiss chard, or leave the greens out altogether. Penne and ziti work interchangeably, and if you’re short on mozzarella, use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses instead.
Best Ways to Store Leftover One Pot Baked Ziti
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm everything in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until heated through. If it seems a little dry, just add a splash of broth or water before reheating.
Perfect Pairings for One Pot Baked Ziti
This baked ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or some classic garlic bread for soaking up the sauce. For drinks, try a glass of Chianti or a sparkling Italian soda. A sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan on top takes every serving up a notch.
Mastering the Art of One Pot Baked Ziti
For the best results, don’t skip stirring the pasta every few minutes as it cooks—this helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Browning the sausage well at the start is key for that savory depth. If you want extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream before topping with mozzarella.
Seasonal Twists for One Pot Baked Ziti
In spring or summer, swap the frozen spinach for fresh baby spinach or chopped zucchini. Autumn is perfect for adding roasted butternut squash or mushrooms. When winter rolls around, hearty greens like kale or collard greens are excellent. You can also toss in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a unique flavor twist any time of year.
FAQs:
Can I make One Pot Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the whole dish, let it cool, and then refrigerate it for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep it moist. The cheese might not be as stringy as when freshly made, but the flavors will deepen and meld beautifully.
Can I freeze One Pot Baked Ziti?
Yes, this dish freezes quite well. Once it’s cooled, transfer portions to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot throughout. You may want to add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for best results.
What’s the best way to keep the pasta from sticking?
The key is to stir the pasta frequently as it cooks in the sauce. Because everything cooks in one pot with less liquid than boiling, the pasta can stick to the bottom if left alone. Use a sturdy spoon to scrape the bottom every few minutes, and don’t forget to cover the pot to keep moisture in.
Can I make this baked ziti vegetarian?
Definitely! Just use your favorite plant-based sausage or substitute with extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a hearty, meat-free version. Choose vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and keep the rest of the recipe the same for a delicious vegetarian one pot pasta.
Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use most short pasta shapes, such as rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, since some shapes might cook a bit faster or slower than ziti or penne. Make sure to stir and check for doneness as you go for best results.
How do I adjust the spice level?
The red pepper flakes give this dish a gentle kick, but you can easily adjust the heat to suit your family’s tastes. Add more flakes for extra spice, or skip them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor. The sausage you use can also change the heat level, so choose sweet or spicy based on your preference.
One Pot Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage
Equipment
- large saucepan
Ingredients
- 4 links Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1.5 teaspoon oregano
- 1.5 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach thawed and squeezed dry
- 4 cups Penne or Ziti pasta (330 grams)
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- Grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Begin by taking the sausage out of its casings. In a sizable saucepan, combine the sausage and diced onion, and cook on medium-high heat for approximately 4-5 minutes until the onion is soft.
For the Main Dish:
- Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, salt, and red pepper flakes. Let this blend cook another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and thawed spinach into the pot. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Introduce the pasta to the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook while frequently stirring until the pasta reaches a tender consistency, which will take about 12-15 minutes, depending on the type of pasta used.
- Check the flavor and make any necessary seasoning adjustments; if desired, incorporate sugar at this stage.
- Cover the dish with mozzarella cheese, let it stay covered until the cheese has melted. Serve with grated Parmesan on top, if preferred. Enjoy your dish!
