This is one of my Dad's recipes from his foodie files...so delicious and perfect comfort food. Here's everything you'll need:
12 oz hot Italian sausage, casing removed
1 TBSP olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
2 tsp dried oregano
2 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp crushed fennel seed (optional)
1 tsp salt
8 oz ricotta cheese
½ c Parmesan cheese, grated
¼ c fresh parsley, chopped
8 oz ziti (or similar tube pasta)
8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese (or fresh mozzarella)
Heat the oven to 425 degrees. In a large sauté pan, cook the sausage for 5 minutes, breaking the sausage up as it cooks. Drain and set aside.
Heat the oil in the pan and sauté the onions until softened. Return the sausage to the pan. Add the next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
Mix the ricotta, Parmesan and parsley in a bowl. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
Drain the pasta and stir in the ricotta mixture. Add the sauce to the pot. Mix well and pour into a greased 4-5 qt baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
