Baked Ziti

I have to say I was pretty happy with how this recipe came out. I used a good mozzarella, and I think that made a difference. If you don't have fresh mozzarella, substitute 1 pound of shredded.


I wanted a bit of heat, so I added red pepper flake to the Italian sausage when I cooked it.

Makes: 8 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 large white onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4" cubes
• 1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.

2. Crumble sausage into a large skillet and cook until done.

3. Add in the onion and garlic and cook until the onions are softened.

4. Add in the tomatoes and their juices. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste and continue simmering while the pasta cooks.

5. Cook pasta according to package instructions, minus 1 minute. You want the pasta to be slightly undercooked. Drain somewhat, but keep moist.

6. Remove skillet from heat. Add pasta and half of the mozzarella and mix.

7. Spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with non-stick spray.

8. Transfer pasta mixture to pan and spread out evenly. Top with mozzarella cheese slices and the Parmesan.

9. Bake, uncovered, 20-30 minutes or until slightly browned and good and bubbly.