(1 jar (24 oz)) Marinara Sauce (store bought or homemade)
(15 oz) Tomato Sauce
(1, medium) Onion, diced
(3 cloves) Minced Garlic
(1 tsp) Dried Oregano
(1 tsp) Dried Basil
(1/2 tsp) Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
(2 Cups) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
(1 Cup) Ricotta Cheese
(1/2 Cup) Grated Parmesan Cheese
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Directions
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Prepare the sausage sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic, then crumble in the sausage. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Add marinara, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
Assemble the ziti: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a greased 9 x 13 baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, half the sausage sauce, dollops of ricotta, and half the mozzarella. Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
Serve & enjoy: Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
