Baked Ziti With Sausage

Step 1 -Cook the ziti according to the package directions, until almost al dente. Undercooking slightly is key since the ziti will cook more later during the baking stage.

Step 2 -Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Set it aside.

Step 3 -Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F, setting the oven rack in the middle position.

Step 4 -Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.

Step 5 -Crumble the sausage in the pan and cook, while crumbling, until lightly browned, and just cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 6 -Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked sausage to a plate. Set it aside.

Step 7 -Reserve 1 tablespoon of the drippings from the sauté pan and drain the rest.

Step 8 -Place the pan with the drippings over low heat.

Step 9 -Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 10 -Add the crushed tomatoes and their juices, the salt, the sugar, and the red pepper flakes.

Step 11 -Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.

Step 12 -Add the heavy cream, 1/3 cup of the Pecorino Romano, the cooked sausage, and the 1/3 cup of the basil to the pan stirring until evenly combined.

Step 13 -Pour the contents of the pan into the pot with the ziti and stir until combined.

Step 14 -Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 15 -Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the remaining Pecorino Romano on top of the pasta in the baking dish.

Step 16 -Spread the remaining pasta mixture over top.

Step 17 -Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the remaining Pecorino Romano cheeses over the top pasta layer.

Step 18 -Bake the ziti uncovered until the cheese is melted and browned, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 19 -Sprinkle with the extra basil and serve!