# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 lb ziti or penne pasta
→ Meats
02 - 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Tomato Sauce
05 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1 tsp dried basil
09 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - 1 tsp sugar
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese
12 - 9 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
14 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Fresh Herbs
15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil, plus extra for garnish
→ Other
16 - 2 tbsp olive oil
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
04 - Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), sugar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage tomato sauce, ricotta, half the mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Gently mix to combine.
07 - Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Layer the remaining pasta mixture, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
08 - Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
09 - Allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs as desired.
