Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomatoes

Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomatoes
Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomatoes
Offer this simple, hearty dish with a green salad, crusty garlic bread and a light red wine, like Beaujolais.
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Italian Pasta Tomato Bake Mozzarella Sausage Spinach Bon Appétit California
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, chopped
  • 3/4 pound hot italian sausages, casings removed
  • 1 28-ounce can diced peeled tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup purchased pesto sauce
  • 10 ounces ziti or penne pasta (about 3 cups), freshly cooked
  • 8 cups ready-to-use spinach leaves (about 2/3 of 10-ounce package)
  • 6 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (about 3 ounces)
  • Carbohydrate 21 g(7%)
  • Cholesterol 34 mg(11%)
  • Fat 14 g(22%)
  • Fiber 2 g(9%)
  • Protein 12 g(25%)
  • Saturated Fat 6 g(30%)
  • Sodium 474 mg(20%)
  • Calories 263

Preparation Heat heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage, onion and garlic and sauté until sausage is cooked through, breaking up meat with back of spoon, about 10 minutes. Add tomatoes with juices to pan. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Stir in pesto. Season sauce with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bring to simmer before continuing.) Preheat oven to 375° F. Lightly oil 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish. Combine pasta, spinach, mozzarella and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese in large bowl. Stir in hot tomato sauce. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese over. Bake until sauce bubbles and cheeses melt, about 30 minutes.