Ingredients
– 1 pound of Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 jar (about 24 ounces) of marinara sauce
– 1 can (15 ounces) of ricotta cheese
– 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 12 ounces of ziti pasta
– 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Equipment Needed
– Large pot for boiling pasta
– Skillet for cooking sausage and veggies
– Mixing bowl
– 9×13 inch baking dish
– Aluminum foil
– Cooking utensil (spoon or spatula)
– Oven mitts
Step-by-Step Instructions
First, I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot of salted boiling water, I cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions, making sure to leave it al dente since it will continue to cook while baking. Meanwhile, I heat some olive oil in my skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Once it’s browned, I toss in the onion and garlic—this is where my kitchen begins to fill with the most inviting smells! (See the next page below to continue steps…)