If you are looking for a hearty, earthy dish that comes close to Italian comfort food, you will want to try this dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Ziti
- 1.25 lb Hot Italian sausage (remove casings if necessary)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 1/4 cup)
- 6 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 - 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 6-8 oz pesto (drain if necessary)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 - 10 oz package washed fresh spinach
- Butter (to coat baking dish)
- 2 1/2 cups mozzarella, shredded
- 2 cups parmesan, grated
- Salt
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of water boil to cook the pasta (add pasta when next step is simmering).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbs olive oil & Italian sausage. Cook for about 5 minutes, breaking up as it cooks. Add the onions & garlic and sauté until the sausage is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain off most of the grease. Add the diced tomatoes and pesto and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the ziti to the boiling water and cook according to directions until al dente or 1 minute less. Drain.
- In a 12x17 pan or 2 smaller, layer the pasta, ricotta, spinach, 2 cups of mozzarella, 1 1/2 cups of parmesan. Pour the sausage mixture on top then gently mix into the layers. Add the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top.
- Bake for about 20 minutes till heated through and slightly crispy on top.