Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, then drain. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, breaking the up the meat as it cooks. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil & bring to a simmer. Partially cover the pan, reduce heat to medium-low and continue to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, 1/2 the mozzarella, and the garlic powder until well combined.
3. Spoon 1 cup of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 4-quart casserole dish. Top with half the cooked ziti. Top with half the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon or a rubber spatula. Top with another cup of the tomato sauce. Repeat the layers using the remaining ziti and ricotta mixture, then top with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan over the top.
4. *******If you stop here: Cover the dish with plastic wrap & refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator or microwave for 4 to 6 minutes on LOW before baking.
5. *******When You're Ready: Preheat the oven to 350. Remove plastic wrap from the baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 15 minutes.