Cheesy Baked Ziti

Ingredients

1 (1-pound) box ziti

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound bulk Italian sausage

2 (24-ounce) jars marinara

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1 (15-ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 (8-ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Servings: 10

Heat oven to 350 F and lightly spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add onion and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook about 1 minute. Add sausage and crumble and cook until just browned. Drain away the excess fat and return the meat and onion mixture to the heat. Add the marinara and Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the pasta, being sure to coat it in the sauce.

Add about half of the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish. Stir the ricotta to make it smooth, then drop dollops of it evenly onto the pasta. Sprinkle all the Parmesan and about half of the mozzarella cheese over it.

Add the remaining pasta mixture in another layer. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted.