Baked Ziti - Sausage with Vodka Sauce

By á-47

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ziti
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (8 ozZ) pkg. mushrooms, sliced
• 2 lb. hot Italian Sausage
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 (26 oz) jars vodka sauce
• 1 ta. Italian seasoning
• 2 tea. red pepper flakes
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (156 oz) container cottage cheese
• 2 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 (8 oz) package fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Cook pasta per package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Warm the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and mushrooms and cook until the onions start to soften. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned; drain the fat.

Add the entire can of tomatoes, vodka sauce, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir and simmer for 25-30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper, then transfer half of the sauce to a different bowl and cool.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine the cottage cheese, 2 cups mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, salt and pepper. Pour in the cooled pasta and toss to slightly combine. Add half the cooled meat sauce and toss to coat the pasta.

Transfer half the coated pasta to a large casserole dish. Spoon half of the remaining sauce over the top, then top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of the pasta and sauce. Lay the slices of fresh mozzarella on top.

Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, ir until bubbling. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.