Cheesy Baked Pasta with Tomato, Sausage, and Ricotta

1. Preheat Oven and Boil Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Then, drain and set aside.

2. Cook Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces and cook until browned.

3. Add Onion and Garlic

To the skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Then, stir in the crushed tomatoes and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let simmer for about 10 minutes.

4. Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheeses

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage-tomato mixture. Stir in the ricotta cheese.

5. Assemble and Bake

Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven, let sit for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.