Baked Ziti

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Oven 350. Boil pasta 5-7 min, leaving it slightly undercooked. Drain and leave in colander. In 12 inch skillet over med-high heat, brown Italian sausage. Set aside.

Step 2

Whisk cottage cheese, eggs, and 1 cup parmesan in a bowl and set aside. In medium saucepan, heat oil and sauté garlic until lightly golden. Add bell pepper and cook until softened. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and oregano. Simmer until thickened, about 10 min. Off heat, stir in ½ cup basil and sugar and season to taste.

Step 3

Combine cornstarch and heavy cream in an empty small saucepan. Bring to a simmer 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened. Transfer to a very large mixing bowl. In bowl, combine the cream, cottage cheese mixture, 1 cup tomato sauce mixture, and ¾ cup mozzarella. Add the pasta and Italian sausage and toss to combine. Season to taste.

Step 4

Spread the mixture in a deep 13x9 lasagna pan or baking dish. Top with the remaining tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan. Spray a sheet of foil with cooking spray, cover and bake 30 min. Bake, uncovered, an additional 30 min. Sprinkle with the remaining basil and rest 10 min. before serving.