BEST BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE

This is quite possibly the one thing that I am constantly asked to make. This is a ziti with a lot of flavor.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (16 ounce) package dry ziti pasta
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 large yellow onion, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Italian cheese blend
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the ziti, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm …