baked ziti

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add Italian sausage to skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
5. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Beat in the egg.
8. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce.
9. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the baking dish. Top with the ricotta cheese mixture.
10. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the pasta and ricotta mixture.
11. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

• For a smoother sauce, blend some of the sauce with an immersion blender before adding it to the pasta.
• To prevent the ziti from drying out, add a little water or broth to the baking dish before baking.
• Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To bake in a disposable aluminum pan, ensure it is oven-safe. Preheat the pan itself with the oven.