Pasta Rustica

This is an altered Williams-Sonoma casserole recipe that includes ziti, sausage, and three cheeses. Tastes great with a green salad and garlic bread.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 1  onion, chopped
• 2  cloves garlic, minced
• 1  lb Italian sausage, crumbled
• 2  teaspoons dried basil
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1  teaspoon dried marjoram
• 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (28 ounce) can  diced tomato puree (Puree reserved)
• 1  cup water
•  salt
• 1  lb ziti pasta
• 2  cups low fat cottage cheese
• 2  cups  shredded mozzarella cheese or 2  cups Fontina cheese
• 1⁄2 cup  grated parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook and drain the pasta.
2. Brown the onions in the oil for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Break the sausage into small pieces and crumble over the onion.
5. Brown thoroughly, so no pink remains.
6. Add the herbs, pepper flakes, tomatoes, puree, and water.
7. Bring to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to med-low and simmer for 30 minutes, until thickened.
9. Do no not cover.
10. Taste and add salt as necessary.
11. Mix together the pasta, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and the sauce.
12. Spread into a greased casserole dish and top with Parmesan Bake in a 350 oven for 30 minutes.