1-First Steps: Prep and Cook the Pasta: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) for even baking later. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt to flavor the pasta. Cook 1 pound of ziti pasta until it’s just al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes, then drain it and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to keep it from sticking.

2-Building the Flavor Base: In a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion and cook until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step really brings out the savory notes that make the dish pop.

3-Mixing It All Together: Next, brown 1 pound of bulk Italian sausage in the same skillet until it’s no longer pink, then drain any excess fat. Mix the sausage back with the onion and garlic, and stir in 48 ounces of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper. Fold in the cooked pasta gently to coat it evenly, ensuring the sauce keeps everything moist.

4-Assembling and Baking: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the pasta mixture inside. Add smooth dollops of 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, sprinkle half of the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and 8 ounces shredded mozzarella on top. Layer the rest of the pasta mixture over that, then cover with the remaining mozzarella. Bake covered with foil for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly. For a toasted top, uncover and bake a bit longer. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.