Pasta Recipes

[Zana]

Baked Ziti with Sausage and Tomatoes

Baked ziti in a hearty meat sauce is a great dish for a hungry family; use either pork or turkey sausages.

Recipe courtesy of "The Illustrated Kitchen Bible: 1,000 Family Recipes from Around the World" by Victoria Blashford-Snell, copyright 2008. Used by permission of Dorling Kindersley Limited. All rights reserved.

Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) sweet or hot Italian sausages (pork or turkey)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, coarsely chopped x
2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped
4 cups Fresh Tomatoes, chopped, or One 28 oz (794 g) can chopped tomatoes with their juices
2 tbsp chopped basil
salt and freshly ground black pepper
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Yield: Serves 6 Serving

Directions

Prep: 20 min Total:
1
Fill a deep skillet with water and bring to a boil. Poke holes in the sausages with a fork, add them to the pan, and simmer for 2 minutes, or until the casings turn pale. Drain the sausages and let cool. Remove the casings and break up the meat.

2
Return the skillet to the heat, add the sausage and oil, and cook for 5 minutes. Add the onions and garlic and cook for another 3 minutes, or until softened.

3
Stir in the tomatoes with their juices and the basil. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes, or until it has thickened, stirring occasionally.

4
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the ziti, and cook until al dente, about 3 minutes before the time indicated on the package. Drain and return the pasta to the pot.

5
Stir most of the sausage and tomato sauce into the ziti. Spread in a large casserole (or 6 individual casserole dishes), then spoon the reserved sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the mozzarella.

6
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles and the cheese is melted and golden.