Ziti Bake

Ziti Bake

Miz Helen's Kitchen

Ingredients

16 ounces dry Ziti Pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound Italian Sausage Links

1 large yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups stewed tomatoes

3 cups tomato sauce

1/2 cup pasta water

3 teaspoons oregano

2 teaspoons basil

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

2 cups Shredded Italian Style Cheese ( Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Romano, Fontina, Asiago mix)

Directions

For The Pasta

Cook Pasta in very salty water and about 9 minutes, retain 1/2 cup of the pasta water for the sauce, then drain and set aside

For The Sauce

Cut the link sausage in 1/2 inch pieces, (the pieces will look like little meat balls)

In a large very hot skillet add 1 tablespoon olive oil then add the sausage pieces, cook the sausage until done and browned

Remove the sausage to a paper towel and drain leaving the oils in the skillet

Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and saute the onion

Add the stewed tomatoes, the tomato sauce and the 1/2 cup pasta water to the onions and garlic

Add the browned sausage pieces to the tomato mixture and mix well

Add the oregano, basil, salt, pepper and fennel seeds mix well

Simmer the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes

Add the Ziti Pasta and mix well

You can serve the dish at this point or you can bake it

To Bake

Spray a 9X13 inch baking dish with cooking spray

Pour the Ziti mixture into the baking dish

Add the cheese on top

Bake 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned on top

Garnish with Fresh Basil