Best Ziti Ever

Ingredients

For 8 servings

• •1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
• •1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
• •2 (24 ounce) jars marinara sauce
• •1.5 c. à café dried basil, divided
• •12 ounces ricotta cheese
• •1.5 c. à café Italian seasoning, divided
• •1 dash salt and pepper
• •1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded

Method

1. 1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. 2.Place sausage in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. In a large saucepan, heat marinara with 1 teaspoon basil until bubbling. In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
3. 3.Spread bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with sauce. Layer 1/2 of the ziti, 1/2, the sausage, 1/2 of the ricotta, and 1/2 the mozzarella. Spoon half of the sauce over top. Repeat layers. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 teaspoons basil and Italian seasoning.
4. 4.Bake in preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes.