Beautiful Baked Ziti

Submitted by Johnsonville Sausage

"Any dinner table benefits from the addition of this great Italian flavor!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 15mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 9

ingredients

• 1 (19 ounce) package Johnsonville Italian Sweet Sausage Links
• 8 ounces penne pasta, cooked and drained (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 1 (26 ounce) jar pasta sauce
• 3⁄4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1⁄2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen garlic bread, ends removed and cut into 9 slices
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 2 medium roma tomatoes, cut into slices
• 9 fresh basil leaves

directions

1. Cook sausage links according to package directions; drain, cut into ¼-inch slices.
2. In a large bowl, combine sausage slices, pasta, pasta sauce, water, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pepper and mix well.
3. Spoon mixture into a greased 9-in. x 13-in. x 2-in. baking dish.
4. Arrange garlic bread slices on top of meat mixture.
5. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese.
6. In a small bowl, dip tomato slices into olive oil.
7. Place one slice of tomato on each piece of bread.
8. Bake uncovered, at 400ºF for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with basil leaves. Serve.