sauce:

1 1/2 italian sausage, removed from casings

  • crumble and brown sausage, then remove from the pan to drain

2-3 small zucchini, cubed

  • saute in sausage drippings until tender, then remove from the pan

1 onion, sliced
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 Tbsp. basil
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
28 oz. can peeled tomatoes

  • saute onion and garlic until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes
  • add remaining ingredients and simmer 10 minutes
  • remove to blender, puree, and return to the pan

crumbled sausage
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup romano or parmesan, grated

  • add to sauce and mix well

ziti: 1 lb. ziti noodles

  • boil according to package directions, one minute less than al dente
  • drain and return to the pot
  • stir into sauce

assembly: 8 oz. mozzarella, shredded

  • layer half of the ziti in a baking dish, top with half the mozzarella
  • spoon remaining ziti mixture on top then top with remaining mozzarella
  • bake at 425°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until browned

source: https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/baked-ziti-with-sausage.html