One Skillet Sausage Baked Pasta

Italian sausage

🥗Healthier: turkey sausage

💰Cheaper: pork sausage

Turkey sausage is lower in fat while still providing flavor.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: cheddar cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories without sacrificing texture.

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese offers a similar texture with fewer calories.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Pecorino

Nutritional yeast is a dairy-free option that adds umami flavor.

Make the ricotta mixture by combining 1 cup of fresh ricotta, 1 egg, parmesan cheese, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until well combined.

Preheat a 12-inch skillet on the stove.

In boiling salted water, add pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the suggested cooking time to achieve al dente.

Remove the casing from 1 pound of Italian sausage and break it up in the skillet once it's hot.

Add 2 sliced garlic cloves to the skillet with the sausage and cook until the sausage is browned and crispy.

Add 5 ounces of baby spinach to the skillet and stir until it cooks down.

Pour in 24 ounces of marinara sauce and stir to combine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce bubble for a moment before removing it from the heat.

Add the undercooked pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of water and season the mixture. Stir everything together.

Dollop the ricotta mixture over the pasta in the skillet.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and additional parmesan cheese over the top.

Bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until bubbly and cheesy.

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving, garnishing with more fresh basil.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens