Delicious and Hearty Ziti with Italian Sausage

Enjoy a delicious and hearty meal with this ziti recipe that features flavorful Italian sausage. This classic Italian dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to satisfy everyone's appetite. The combination of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and savory Italian sausage creates a mouthwatering dish that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. The recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of Italy at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Season the sauce with dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate the spices into the sauce.
6. Return the cooked Italian sausage to the skillet and mix it into the sauce.
7. Simmer the sauce over low heat for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked ziti pasta and the sausage tomato sauce. Mix well to evenly distribute the sauce throughout the pasta.
10. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
13. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy!

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