Domestic Diva's Baked Ziti

Domestic Diva's Baked Ziti

Ingredients

1 pound Ziti
1 pound Hot Sausage
1 medium Onion, chopped
4 cloves Garlic, chopped
1 (28 ounce) can of diced Tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can of diced Italian Tomatoes
6 ounces Basil Pesto or 8 ounces Basil Pesto Sauce
1 (15 ounce) container Ricotta Cheese
1 package Washed Spinach
4 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
2 cups Parmesan Cheese or Italian Blend, shredded

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

In a large skillet, over medium heat, add 1tsp Olive Oil, 1 tsp Butter, onion, and garlic.  Saute until onion is translucent or about 5 to 8 minutes.  Transfer onion and garlic to a bowl.  In the same skillet add hot sausage, brown, and then drain well.  (I use paper towels to soak up any extra fat.) Combine Sausage and Onion together in skillet, add 2 cans tomatoes with juices and pesto.  Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat.  Add ziti and cook until al dente or about 10 minutes.  Drain in a colander.

Return ziti back to the large pot. Add meat sauce mixture to ziti and stir to combine. 

In a separate bowl, add ricotta cheese, spinach, 1 1/2 cups Parmesan, and 2 cups Mozzarella.  I find it easiest to mix this with your clean hands.

Butter a 4 quart baking dish, add pasta mixture, top with spinach mixture, and then remaining Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. 

Bake until completely heated through and golden and crisp on top, about 20-25 minutes.  Serve with a salad and garlic bread.

**I make this recipe in 2 2-quart baking pans.  We eat one now and freeze the other casserole for another day.**