The Best Baked Ziti with Sausage

Ingredients

• 10 oz Ziti, cooked to al dente (the ziti is measured dry)
• 4 Italian Sausages, removed from casing, crumbled and cooked
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta, drained
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 large egg
• 1 Tablespoon Chupacabra Italian Seasoning
• 2 cups mozzarella
• 1 quart (32 ounces/ 4 cups) marinara
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray an 11″x8″ baking dish and set aside. *see note

2. 2

   Mix the ricotta, parmesan, egg, and Chupacabra Italian Seasoning until combined. Add in all but 1/2 cup of mozzarella, mix, and set aside.

3. 3

   To the bottom of the 11″x8″ baking dish, add 1/3 of the marinara sauce, half of the cooked ziti, the ricotta mixture, sausage, and ~10 basil leaves (this will vary depending on their size). Repeat the layering by adding another 1/3 of the marinara, the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, sausage, and basil. Top with the remaining 1/3 of the marinara. Sprinkle with Parmesan and cover with foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

4. 4

   Bake for ~35-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 150°F. Uncover, add the remaining mozzarella cheese, and return it to the oven until the cheese is fully melted and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.