Cheesy Tomato and Sausage Bake With Ziti Pasta

Italian pork sausages can be used in place of turkey sausages, or use my Seasoning for Ground Pork (Italian-Style Sausage) in place of sausages. The jalapeno is optional add in for more heat, this is a delicious casserole!

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 (1 lb) package  uncooked ziti pasta
• 2 -3  tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 lbs turkey sausage (casings removed)
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 2  tablespoons  minced fresh garlic
• 1  small  jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2  teaspoons  dried chili pepper flakes (or to taste)
• 1 -2  tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh basil
•  salt and pepper
• 1 1⁄2 cups  grated mozzarella cheese (or to taste)
• 1  cup  grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 4-quart casserole dish.
3. Cook the ziti pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente (do not overcook the pasta as it will cook more in the oven) drain, place in a large bowl and set aside.
4. Remove the casings from the sausage.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Add in the sausage, onion, garlic, chili flakes and jalapeno (if using) saute until meat is browned, stirring to crumble the meat with a spoon.
7. Add in tomato paste and diced tomatoes with the juice; bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. In a large bowl combine the cooked pasta with the sausage/tomato mixture and chopped basil.
10. Place half of the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
11. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese, then half of the Parmesan cheese.
12. Repeat layers ending up with the Parmesan on top.
13. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly.
14. Delicious!