Cheesy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.

4. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

5. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, ¼ cup Parmesan, and half of the sauce mixture. Mix gently.

6. Spread half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish, top with remaining sauce, then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

8. Garnish with parsley before serving.