Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 container (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
   • Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
   • Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and chopped fresh parsley (if using).
4. Assemble the Baked Ziti:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the sausage sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
   • Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta layer and spread it out gently.
   • Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
   • Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake the Ziti:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve:
   • Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your classic baked ziti, a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings!