Creating Baked Ziti with Sausage is straightforward. Follow these steps for an irresistible meal:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the Ziti: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the marinara sauce and oregano. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Mix the Cheeses: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In the same pot where you cooked the ziti, mix the drained pasta with the sausage and sauce mixture.
8. Layer the Dish: Spread half of the pasta mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spoon dollops of the cheese mixture on top, then layer the rest of the pasta over it. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
9. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve.

These straightforward steps ensure that you create a delightful Baked Ziti with Sausage that’s sure to impress!