baked ziti - my way

How To Make baked ziti - my way

• Step 1
  In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti for 10 or 11 minutes. Rinse in cold water to prevent further cooking and set aside.
• Step 2
  Cook the sausage in a large skillet in 1 Tbsp. of the oil over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl.
• Step 3
  In the same skillet, heat the remaining oil and add the green pepper and onion, cooking until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
• Step 4
  Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce to the onion, pepper, and garlic mixture and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
• Step 5
  To the bowl of sausage, add the cooked ziti, basil, 2 cups of the mozzarella, and the tomato sauce mixture. Combine well and season with salt and pepper.
• Step 6
  Turn mixture into a lightly oiled 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and then the parmesan.
• Step 7
  Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 400-degree oven, on the center rack, for 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover and broil for 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.
• Step 8
  Serve with a good garlic bread and green salad. And hey, why not, a bottle of red wine! Buon appetito!
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