Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Ingredients

• 12 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage, mild or hot
• 1 medium onion, yellow
• 3 clove garlic
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it gently cook for 10-15 minutes.
5. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, the egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Layer with half of the cooked ziti, then dollops of the ricotta mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers with remaining ziti, ricotta, and mozzarella.
7. Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
8. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.