Baked Ziti (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 pound ziti or penne pasta.
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 - 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef.
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped.
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced.
06 - 2 (24-ounce) jars marinara sauce.
07 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
08 - 2 large eggs.
09 - 15 ounces ricotta cheese, drained.
10 - 1/2 cup sour cream.
11 - 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided.
12 - 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt.
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
15 - Fresh parsley or basil for garnish.

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 9x13 baking dish. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than al dente.
02 - Cook sausage and onion until meat is browned. Add garlic, then marinara. Simmer 10 minutes.
03 - Beat cream cheese, then blend in eggs, ricotta, sour cream, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, salt and pepper.
04 - Mix 1 cup sauce into cheese mixture. Stir in pasta. Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
05 - Cover with greased foil, bake 20 minutes. Uncover, bake 20 more minutes until bubbly. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta.
02 - Undercook pasta to prevent mushiness.
03 - Can be made ahead and refrigerated.

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