Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage (see note)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 4-5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon white sugar (see note)
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• For serving: chopped fresh parsley and/or basil (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven. Boil a salted pot of water and cook the ziti for 2-3 minutes less than package directions indicate. Drain and set aside once it's done.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, add the sausage meat and onion to another pot and cook until browned (about 7-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook for about a minute.

4. 4

   Stir in the crushed tomatoes, cream, salt & pepper, and sugar. Let it heat through (about 5 minutes).

5. 5

   Drain the pasta, add it to the pot with the sauce, and toss.

6. 6

   Add half the pasta mixture to a 9x13 casserole dish (spread it out evenly to create your bottom layer).

7. 7

   Spoon the ricotta over the pasta for the cheesy middle layer (you don't need to be too neat... I just put dollops here and there).

8. 8

   Spoon the remaining pasta into the casserole dish to create an even top layer (I don't stir it).

9. 9

   Sprinkle the parmesan and mozzarella over top.

10. 10

    Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes (or until hot & bubbly), and then broil (watch it closely) to brown the cheese.

11. 11

    Serve with some fresh basil and/or parsley if desired.