My family loves a plate of this cozy dinner, and I love how quick and easy it is to make from scratch. With tender pasta, flavorful Italian sausage and herbs, and plenty of stretchy cheese in every bite, this is a comfort food classic you can enjoy any night.
Ingredients
12ounceszitior another pasta
12ouncesground Italian sausage
4-5garlic clovesminced
1/4teaspoonred pepper flakes
1(28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2teaspoonsdried basil
1teaspoondried oregano
1/4cupheavy cream or half and half
1/2cupgrated Parmesan cheese
3/4cupshredded mozzarella cheese
kosher salt and black pepperto taste
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Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Boil a large pot of water. Add a generous pinch of salt, then add pasta and cook for 2-3 minutes shy of the time recommended on the package directions. (It should still be firm; it will absorb sauce and cook more in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
12 ounces ziti
While the pasta is cooking, place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and crumble it into small pieces as it cooks. When the sausage is nicely browned, which should take 4-5 minutes, add garlic and red pepper. Cook for 30-60 seconds more.
12 ounces ground Italian sausage, 4-5 garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Add the tomatoes, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir it occasionally and lower the heat if it starts to bubble really rapidly.
Stir in the cream and Parmesan, followed by the cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle the mozzarella evenly on top.
1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Transfer skillet to the oven and bake, uncovered, for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and browned in spots. (You can finish it with a broil, just watch carefully to avoid burning.) Serve and enjoy!