Ingredients
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8 ounces ziti pasta, uncooked
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1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, your choice)
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1/4 cup butter
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk
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1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated and divided
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon pepper
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1 (16 ounce) carton ricotta cheese (may use small-curd cottage cheese instead)
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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1 teaspoon salt
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1/8 teaspoon pepper
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (4 oz)
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paprika
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1 egg, lightly beaten
Instructions
- Cook the ziti according to the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- Cook the sausage links in oil in a large skillet for 15 minutes or until browned over medium heat; reduce heat if necessary to keep them from burning. Drain well on paper towels. Slice the sausage diagonally and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; add the flour, stirring until smooth. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add the milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is thickened and bubbly. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Add the ziti; stir well, and set aside.
- Combine the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, ricotta (or cottage cheese), egg, parsley, 1 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Stir well.
- Place half of the macaroni mixture in a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish. Top with the ricotta cheese mixture and half of the sausage. Top with the remaining ziti mixture and sausages. Sprinkle with the mozzarella and paprika.
- Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.