- 1 lb ziti (short tube-shaped pasta)
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- 2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 4-quart casserole dish with no-stick spray. Set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Meanwhile, cook sausage, onions, and garlic in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until sausage is browned, stirring to crumble. Add tomato paste, salt, pepper, and diced tomatoes; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine cooked pasta, sausage mixture, and basil. Place half of the pasta mixture in the casserole dish. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.
Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until bubbly.
8 servings