Beautiful Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients for Beautiful Baked Ziti

• Italian Sausage
• Penne Pasta
• Pasta Sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• Fresh Basil
• Fresh Garlic
• Parmesan Cheese
• Black Pepper
• Garlic Bread
• Mozzarella Cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Roma Tomatoes

How to Make Beautiful Baked Ziti

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Slice the cooked sausage into coins.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, sausage, marinara sauce, water, minced garlic, chopped basil, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
4. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the ziti mixture into the prepared dish.
5. Arrange the slices of Italian bread evenly over the top of the ziti mixture.
6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the bread.
7. Drizzle the tomato slices with olive oil and arrange them on top of the mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the ziti is heated through.
9. Remove from oven and carefully tuck fresh basil leaves under each tomato slice.
10. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.