1/4 # Sweet Italian sausage links /w - casings removed 1 teaspoon salt
2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 # uncooked zita pasta
1 - 28 oz can Italian tomatoes, chopped & drained 2 cups ricotta cheese
(tomato sauce may be substituted) 1 cup grated mozzarella
1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 cup grated parmesan
6 T minced parsley leaves - fresh
Grease shallow 3 quart baking dish; set aside. In skillet heat 3 T oil over medium heat. Add sausage, onion, and garlic; sauté` 5 minutes or until onion is softened. Break up with a wooden spoon. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper, and 4 T parsley; heat to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook zita as package label directs, but only for 8 minutes. Drain zita, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water. Return zita and reserved water to pot. Stir in ricotta, half the mozzarella and the tomato sauce. Mix well until completely blended. Spread evenly in baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, parmesan, and remaining parsley. Drizzle with remaining oil. Bake 25 minutes or until hot and lightly brown. Let sit 5 minutes before serving. Makes 8 servings.
