Baked Ziti (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - Ziti or penne pasta (1 pound).
02 - Olive oil (1 tablespoon).
03 - Italian sausage or ground beef (1 pound).
04 - Onion, finely chopped (1 small).
05 - Garlic, minced (3 cloves).
06 - Marinara sauce (2 24-ounce jars).
07 - Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces).
08 - Large eggs (2).
09 - Ricotta cheese, drained (15 ounces).
10 - Sour cream (1/2 cup).
11 - Mozzarella cheese, shredded (3 cups divided).
12 - Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup).
13 - Salt (1/2 teaspoon).
14 - Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon).
15 - Fresh parsley or basil for garnish.

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 9x13 baking dish. Cook pasta 2 minutes less than al dente.
02 - Cook sausage and onion until meat is browned. Add garlic, then marinara. Simmer 10 minutes.
03 - Beat cream cheese, then blend in eggs, ricotta, sour cream, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, salt and pepper.
04 - Mix 1 cup sauce into cheese mixture. Stir in pasta. Transfer to baking dish, top with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
05 - Cover with greased foil, bake 20 minutes. Uncover, bake 20 more minutes until bubbly. Rest 10 minutes before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta.
02 - Undercook pasta to prevent mushiness.
03 - Can make ahead and refrigerate.

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