Sausage Ziti (Ricotta Mozzarella)

Ziti is layered with sausage, ricotta, mozzarella and tomato sauce, then baked until bubbling.

1 (16 oz) pkg ziti pasta
1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
3 cups Marinara Sauce
1½ tsp. dried basil, divided
12 oz ricotta cheese
1½ tsp. Italian seasoning, divided
sea salt
black pepper, freshly cracked
1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente; drain.

Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. In a large saucepan, heat marinara with 1 tsp. basil until bubbling. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Spread bottom of a 9x13” baking dish with sauce. Layer ½ of the ziti, ½, the sausage, ½ of the ricotta, and ½ the mozzarella. Spoon half of the sauce over top. Repeat layers. Sprinkle top with remaining ½ tsp. basil and Italian seasoning.

Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Makes 8 servings.