One-Pot Creamy Italian Sausage and Spinach Ziti
A quick and easy one-pot dinner featuring savory Italian sausage, tender ziti pasta, and fresh spinach in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Check ingredients as you go.
- Main Ingredients
- Seasonings
- Liquids
- Pasta
- Vegetables
- Dairy
- Seasonings
Let’s make it
Cooking Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Cooking Sausage
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Seasoning
Stir in the dried oregano and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cooking Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the dried ziti pasta, stir well to submerge all pasta in the liquid. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
Cooking Pasta
Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Add additional broth or water if the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is tender.
Adding Vegetables
Once the pasta is nearly done, stir in the chopped fresh spinach. Cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Finishing Sauce
Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta and sausage evenly.
Serving
Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Tips & notes
Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture.
Saving it for later
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality. The dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring frequently until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave covered in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add extra cheese if desired after reheating.
