Sausage & Pepper Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 8 ounces ziti rigati pasta, uncooked
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cubanelle peppers, chopped
• 1 medim onion, chopped
• 12 ounces spicy sausage or sweet Italian sausage, 4 links
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce (from 24- or 26-ounce jar)

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oven to 400 degrees F; cook pasta in a large pot of lightly salted water as package directs for al dente or firm texture.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add peppers, onion and sausage; cook 6 minutes or until sausage is browned.

4. 4

   Remove from heat; cut sausage into 1/4-inch slices.

5. 5

   Mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, 3 T Parmesan and the parsley in a large bowl.

6. 6

   Drain pasta; toss with cheese mixture, sausage mixture and 1 cup marinara.

7. 7

   Pour pasta mixture into 2 quart shallow baking dish.

8. 8

   Spoon remaining sauce on top; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

9. 9

   Bake, uncovered,20 minutes or until bubbly.