Spicy Sausage Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta1 pound
• Spicy Italian sausage, casings removed1 pound
• Onion, chopped1 medium
• Garlic, minced3 cloves
• Crushed tomatoes28 ounces
• Heavy cream1/4 cup
• Ricotta cheese15 ounces
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded2 cups
• Parmesan cheese, grated1/2 cup
• Egg1 large
• Red pepper flakes1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil1 tablespoon
• Saltto taste
• Black pepperto taste

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. 2

   In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add spicy Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving drippings in the pot.

3. 3

   Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

4. 4

   Stir in crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15 minutes. Stir in heavy cream and the cooked sausage. Season with salt and pepper.

5. 5

   In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

6. 6

   In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti with about half of the sausage sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir to coat.

7. 7

   Spread half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti.

8. 8

   Layer the remaining ziti mixture over the ricotta. Top with the remaining sausage sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

9. 9

   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.