This Easy Sausage Baked Pasta with Ricotta (One Skillet!) is like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together those cozy flavors we all crave. Imagine digging into a dish that combines spicy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. Yep, that’s the magic of this recipe! Plus, you get the added bonus of a single skillet, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal with family or friends. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this dish makes it easy to impress without stressing out. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Why This Recipe Works
This Easy Sausage Baked Pasta with Ricotta takes the best of both baked ziti and lasagna, creating a comforting dish that’s not only rich in flavors but also a breeze to make. Utilizing a single skillet means minimal cleanup, and the layering of textures and tastes elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special. The sausage contributes a meaty depth, while ricotta adds creaminess, making each bite a delightful experience. From the first forkful to the last, this dish is filled with deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Sausage Baked Pasta with Ricotta (One Skillet!)
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella comes together effortlessly, making it a go-to meal that you’ll crave again and again. Not only is it satisfying, but it’s also adaptable to your taste. You can add extra veggies, switch up the meat, or play around with spices, making it a versatile recipe. It’s no wonder this dish has become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound fresh Italian sausage (about 4 links), casings removed
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided, plus more for serving
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Preparing the Dish
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pasta
Preheat your oven to 450˚F (230˚C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta. Once boiling, you’ll cook the pasta just a bit less than fully, so it has a nice texture later in the dish.
Sauté the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a 12-inch oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 5 minutes. If there’s excess fat, spoon off and discard all but 1-2 tablespoons. This keeps the dish flavorful without being overly greasy.
Flavor the Sauce
Add sliced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the baby spinach and cook until it wilts. Carefully pour in the marinara sauce, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Let it bubble briefly, then remove from heat. The mingling scents of garlic and sausage are absolutely mouthwatering!
Cook the Pasta
Boil the penne pasta in the salted water until just shy of al dente, usually about 8-9 minutes. Drain and add to the sausage and sauce mixture, along with ½ cup of water. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious sausage sauce.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 2 tablespoons of Parmesan, the egg, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper for extra flavor. This creamy mixture will create dreamy pockets of ricotta throughout your pasta bake.
Assemble and Bake
Dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle mozzarella and remaining Parmesan on top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. The bubbling cheese creates a tantalizing crust that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Cool and Serve
Let the pasta cool for 5 minutes. Top with additional Parmesan and basil before serving. This little step really elevates the presentation and flavor before you dig in!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Easy Sausage Baked Pasta with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables complements this hearty dish beautifully, adding extra color and nutrition. You could even pair it with a light white wine for a refreshing touch.
Tips for Success
- To enhance flavors, consider adding red pepper flakes for heat or additional herbs like oregano.
- Ensure your skillet can transition from stovetop to oven safely, as some handles can’t withstand the heat.
- Monitor the baking progress to prevent over-browning; keep an eye on that golden cheese!
Variations
- Substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option that’s equally tasty.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and variety.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and increase the amount of spinach or include other veggies, creating a colorful medley.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. You can also easily freeze portions, just make sure they are fully cooled before putting them in the freezer.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this dish with a medium-bodied red wine such as Chianti to enhance the hearty flavors of the sausage and marinara. The right drink can elevate the entire experience, making each bite even more enjoyable.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape will work, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Fun shapes could be a hit with kids!
2. Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up until the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving. This is a fantastic option for busy days.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this pasta dish freezes well. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before placing it in an airtight container. This way, you have an easy meal ready to go later on.
4. What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for a similar texture, though it will taste slightly different. You can always mix in a bit of cream for creaminess.
5. Can I add more cheese?
Feel free to increase the amount of mozzarella or even add a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist. Extra cheese always makes everything a little bit better!
This Easy Sausage Baked Pasta with Ricotta is not just a dinner; it’s a celebration of flavors that warms the heart and satisfies hunger. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to impress at gatherings. With its rich, cheesy layers and savory sausage, this dish is sure to earn its spot in your regular rotation.
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Sausage Baked Pasta with Ricotta
This dish is a comforting blend of spicy Italian sausage, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all in one skillet. Perfect for family meals or entertaining!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound fresh Italian sausage (about 4 links), casings removed
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh ricotta cheese
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided, plus more for serving
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped fresh basil, plus more for serving
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450˚F (230˚C).
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until just shy of al dente.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook sausage until browned.
- Add garlic and sauté for a few minutes, then stir in spinach and marinara sauce.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sausage mixture.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture and dollop over the pasta.
- Top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan, then bake for 10 minutes.
- Cool slightly, garnish with additional cheese and basil, then serve.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat or more herbs for enhanced flavors.
Ensure the skillet is oven-safe to avoid issues during baking.
Monitor baking to prevent over-browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 70
