Creamy Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Drain the cooked pasta and place it in a large bowl.

2. 2

   In a small skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain and cut the sausage into 1/2-inch slices.

3. 3

   In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper until smooth. Gradually add the milk and bring to a boil, cooking and stirring until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and toss to coat.

4. 4

   In a small bowl, combine the egg, cottage cheese, parsley, and the remaining Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.

5. 5

   Spoon half of the pasta mixture into a greased 2-1/2-quart baking dish. Top with the cottage cheese mixture. Add the sausage to the remaining pasta mixture and spoon it over the top. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and paprika.

6. 6

   Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 160°F, about 30-35 minutes.