Baked Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cheese

Baked Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cheese (Adapted from CL)

16 ounces dry ziti or rigatoni pasta
16 ounces hot Italian turkey sausage, casings removed
1 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 14.5 ounce cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions - drain and side aside.

Meanwhile, cook sausage and onion, in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and let cook for 1 minute. Stir in salt, pepper, crushed red pepper and tomatoes - bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combine cooked pasta, sausage mixture and basil. Scoop half of the pasta mixture into a 4-quart casserole coated with nonstick spray. Top with half of mozzarella and half of Parmesan. Repeat layers. Bake until bubbly, about 25 minutes.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

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