Ziti Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:

Casserole

• 450 g ziti
• 3.5 cups quick tomato sauce, recipe below
• 450 g fresh mozzarella, half cut into 1 cm cubes and the other half into thin slices
• 3/4 tbsp. freshly grated parmesan
• 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• A pinch of red pepper flakes

Quick tomato sauce

• 450 g raw sweet and/or spicy Italian sausage, remove casings, crumble mince
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 medium onion, diced (about 3 tbsp)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (800 g) canned whole tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• A sprig of thyme
• A sprig of basil

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season generously with salt, and cook the pasta until al dente (tender but still slightly firm). Drain.
3. Combine the cooked pasta in a large bowl with the quick tomato sauce, diced mozzarella, half the Parmesan, and black and red pepper. Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish.
4. Top with slices of mozzarella and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
5. Bake until lightly browned and heated through, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
   
   

   Quick tomato sauce

   
   
   Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage until it begins to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, stirring until lightly browned, another 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Season with 2 teaspoons salt and pepper to taste.
   
   Use the sauce immediately or store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months..