Super-Speedy Ziti

Submitted by Patti M.

"This weeknight winner calls for store bought sauce & is super cheesy. A layer of ricotta mixed with heavy cream substitutes for bechamel sauce. Yummy!"

 

• Ready In: 1hr 30mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 28 ounces rao's marinara sauce
• 1 cup water
• kosher salt
• fresh ground pepper
• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil
• 3⁄4 cup chopped mozzarella cheese
• 3⁄4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream
• 3⁄4 cup chopped mozzarella cheese
• 1⁄4 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese

directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Cook 1 pound italian sausage in 1 tablespoon olive oil until browned, approximately 8 minutes - in a large ovenproof skillet.
3. Stir in 3 cups store bought marinara sauce and 1 cup water. If needed, season with kosher salt & pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
5. Combine cooked ziti pasta with sauce, reserved pasta water, 1 cup chopped fresh basil and 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella.
6. In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup ricotta with 1/2 cup heavy cream until smoothly combined. Spoon mixture evenly over top of pasta mixture in the ovenproof skillet.
7. Sprinkle with another 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmigiano-reggiano.
8. Bake until browned & bubbly - about 20 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.