Recipe: Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomatoes (using Italian sausage)

BAKED ZITI WITH SPINACH AND TOMATOES

12 ounces hot Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
3 large cloves garlic, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/2 cup pesto
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Vegetable oil
Water
10 ounces uncooked ziti or penne pasta
1 (6 ounce) package ready-to-use spinach leaves
8 ounces mozzarella

Warm a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage, onion and garlic. Saute 10 minutes or until sausage is cooked through, stirring to crumble; drain.

Stir in undrained tomatoes. Simmer 10 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Stir in pesto. Season with salt and pepper.

Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with a small amount of oil.

Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add ziti. Cook until al dente; drain.

In a large bowl, combine ziti, spinach, mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir in tomato mixture. Remove to baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese over ziti mixture.

Bake in preheated 375-degree F oven 30 minutes or until sauce bubbles and cheese melts.

Makes 4 servings
Source: Dining by Design by the Junior League of Pasadena