1- Diving into this baked ziti recipe starts with getting your ingredients ready, and it’s easier than you think with these clear steps. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 1 lb ziti noodles until very al dente, about 7 minutes, then drain and return them to the pot. This initial step ensures the pasta holds up well during baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425°F and set the rack to the middle position for even cooking.

2- Next, heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat and crumble the 1½ lbs ground spicy or sweet Italian sausage into it. Cook the sausage until it’s lightly browned, which takes about 5 to 6 minutes, then transfer it to a plate using a slotted spoon to keep the flavors intact. Don’t forget to drain all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan and lower the heat if the pan looks dry, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil for smoothness. This prepares the base for a rich sauce that ties the whole dish together.

3- Now, add the 4 cloves minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until it’s soft but not browned, releasing its aromatic punch. Stir in the 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon salt, 1½ teaspoons sugar, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Let this simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to develop a deep, flavorful sauce. For a creamy twist, add the 1 cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup grated pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, the cooked sausage, and ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil, then stir everything to combine. This step brings in the richness that makes the baked ziti recipe so irresistible.

4- Pour the sauce mixture into the pot with the drained pasta and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Spoon half of this mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, then sprinkle with half the 8 oz shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese and half the remaining 3 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano. Layer the rest of the pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining cheeses. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese melts and browns beautifully. Finally, garnish with more fresh basil before serving to add a pop of color and flavor.