Baked Ziti And Sausage Casserole - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups uncooked ziti pasta
3 tablespoons oil
1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed, can use more!)
WHITE SAUCE
1/4 cup butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic (or to taste)
1 pinch cayenne pepper (or to taste) (optional)
1/4 cup flour
seasoning salt or white salt
black pepper
2 cups half-and-half
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
CHEESE LAYER
1 (1 lb) carton cream-style cottage cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper
1/4 lb mozzarella cheese, grated
paprika

Preparation

Set oven to 350 degrees.
Grease a 3-quart baking dish.
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling water until JUST tender (do not over-cook the pasta as it will cook more in the oven!).
Place the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
Heat oil; add in the sausage meat and cook until browned, remove to a plate.
For the white sauce; melt butter in a medium saucepan; add the onion, garlic and cayenne pepper if using) saute for about 3-4 minutes.
Add in flour and whisk for 1 minute.
Slowly add in half and half cream; bring to a simmer, whisking constantly until thickened.
Remove from heat; add in 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, then season with seasoned salt (or white salt) and pepper to taste.
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in the bowl; mix with a wooden spoon.
In a medium bowl mix together the cottage cheese with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, egg and chopped parsley, then season with salt and lots of pepper.
Spoon HALF of the creamed ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish, then spread the cottage cheese mixture on top, then spoon the remaining pasta mixture on top of the cottage cheese mixture.
Sprinkle the cooked sausage meat on the top.
Top with mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle paprika on top.
Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes or until bubbly and hot.
Let stand about 5 or more minutes before serving.