# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 lb ziti pasta
→ Meats
02 - 1 lb Italian sausage, mild or hot, casings removed
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Sauce
05 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 14 oz canned tomato sauce
07 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 1 tsp dried basil
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - 1 tsp sugar
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Cheese
13 - 9 oz ricotta cheese
14 - 1 large egg
15 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 12 oz shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
→ Fresh Herbs (optional)
17 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
04 - Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of Parmesan, half of mozzarella, and chopped parsley or basil if desired in a medium bowl.
06 - Mix cooked ziti into the sauce until evenly coated.
07 - Spread half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the baking dish. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over it. Repeat with remaining pasta and ricotta mixture. Top evenly with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
08 - Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
09 - Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
