Sausage and Pepper Baked Ziti

By learen

Two Italian favorites in one dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz uncooked ziti rigati pasta
• 2 t. oil
• 1 med red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cubanelle peppers, chopped
• 1 med onion, chopped
• 12 oz spicy or sweet Italian sausage
• 1 cup part skim ricotta
• 1 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozarella
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 400. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water as package directs for al dente or firm texture.

Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add peppers, onion and sausage; cook 6 minutes or until sausage is browned. Remove from heat and cut sausage into 1/4 in slices.

Mix ricotta, 1 cup mozarella, 3T parmesan and the parsley in large bowl. Drain pasta; toss with cheese mixture, sausage mixture and 1 cup marinara sauce.

Pour pasta mixture into a 2 qt shallow baking dish. Spoon remaining sauce on top; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until bubbly.