Baked Ziti with Sausage

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Featured Recipe

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26-5 Health Issue
Entertaining the Bakersfield Way by Miles Johnson

To lunch or not to lunch, that is the question. What if it's too early for lunch and too late for breakfast? Easy answer: you brunch!

Description

27-6 Winter Issue
Entertaining the Bakersfield Way

By selecting the right dishes, your Italian evening will be a breeze. For the easiest preparation (and the greatest opportunity to spend time with your guests), pick a casserole-style dish, such as Baked Ziti with Sausage.

Ingredients

1 large onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 lbs. spicy Italian sausage, casings removed, crumbled
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup dry red wine
1 (35 oz.) can chopped tomatoes, with juice
4 tomatoes, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano (or 2 tbsp. dried)
1 cup ricotta cheese
3/4 to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 lb. dry ziti pasta, cooked to al dente
1/2 to 1 lb. mozzarella cheese, diced
Olive Oil

Methods/steps

Heat oven to 425 degrees.
In large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium. Sauté onion in oil until soft, about five minutes. Add garlic and sausage, sauté till sausage is browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain fat, return to heat.
Add red wine, and bring to a boil to reduce. Add tomatoes with juice, simmer about 10 minutes, until sauce is slightly thickened. Add oregano. Season to taste.
In a bowl, combine ricotta, half the Parmesan, and the parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Combine drained, cooked pasta with ricotta mixture. Add sausage and sauce. Mix.
Add mozzarella.
Pour into large, shallow, greased baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Bake uncovered until bubbly and lightly browned, about 20 minutes.

Additional Tips

Prepare, pop it in the oven, and enjoy your party. Pair this savory pasta dish with a crisp romaine salad with a vinaigrette dressing.