Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage Meatballs & Spinach – Easy & Delicious!

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Craving a comforting, cheesy, and protein-packed pasta dish? This Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage Meatballs and Spinach is the perfect balance of savory, rich, and wholesome flavors. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s great for family dinners, meal prep, or a potluck dish that will impress everyone at the table.

This baked ziti recipe features tender turkey sausage meatballs, a flavorful homemade tomato sauce, and nutrient-rich spinach, all baked to perfection under a layer of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you’re looking for a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, this is it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier Alternative – Uses lean turkey sausage instead of beef or pork.
  • Rich in Flavor – A homemade tomato sauce infused with herbs and spices.
  • Perfectly Cheesy – A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for that perfect melt.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly – Makes enough for leftovers and freezes well.
  • Balanced Nutrition – Includes protein-packed turkey meatballs and fresh spinach for added nutrients.

If you’re ready for a hearty, cheesy baked pasta dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound ground turkey sausage
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 1 pound ziti or penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix until fully combined, but avoid overworking the meat.
  3. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the ziti or penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce & Cook the Meatballs

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
  3. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for an additional minute.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
  6. Gently add the meatballs into the sauce, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, turning occasionally.

Step 4: Add Spinach to the Sauce

  1. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, stir in the fresh spinach.
  2. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and well combined into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce

  1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked ziti with the sauce and meatballs.
  2. Ensure the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 6: Assemble the Baked Ziti

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the dish.
  4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan over it.
  5. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the remaining cheeses.

Step 7: Bake the Ziti

  1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

  • Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best sauce flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue cooking in the oven.
  • Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for maximum flavor.
  • Layer cheese throughout for the best melty, gooey texture.
  • Let the dish rest before serving to allow flavors to meld.

FAQs About Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage Meatballs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the baked ziti up to 24 hours in advance, store it covered in the fridge, and bake when ready.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! Freeze the assembled dish before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.

4. What pasta can I use instead of ziti?

Penne, rigatoni, or even rotini are great alternatives!

5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the meatballs or replace them with plant-based alternatives.

Conclusion

This Baked Ziti with Turkey Sausage Meatballs and Spinach is a flavorful, comforting, and healthier twist on a classic pasta dish. With tender turkey meatballs, a rich homemade tomato sauce, nutrient-packed spinach, and layers of melty cheese, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering, this hearty baked ziti will always be a hit. Try it today and enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!

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