BAKED ZITI - MY WAY

BAKED ZITI - MY WAY image

Provided by Ellen Bales

Categories Pasta

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 Tbsp oil
1 lb sweet italian sausage, casing removed
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 clove garlic, minced
1 can(s) (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
1 can(s) (8 oz.) tomato sauce
4 c ziti, cooked
1/4 c fresh chopped basil or 1 t dried basil
2 1/2 c shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c shredded parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti for 10 or 11 minutes. Rinse in cold water to prevent further cooking and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage in a large skillet in 1 Tbsp. of the oil over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.
3. In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil and add the green pepper and onion, cooking until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the onion, pepper, and garlic mixture and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
5. To the bowl of sausage, add the cooked ziti, basil, 2 cups of the mozzarella, and the tomato sauce mixture. Combine well and season with salt and pepper.
6. Turn mixture into a lightly oiled 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and then the parmesan.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 400-degree oven, on the center rack, for 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover and broil for 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.
8. Serve with a good garlic bread and green salad. And hey, why not, a bottle of red wine! Buon appetito!