Once you take a bite out of this baked ziti casserole, you'll never want another version again

This baked ziti with Italian sausage casserole is a classic – simple, hearty and so satisfying. My family and friends are always asking me to make this. "Of course," I say. I always love to cook for my friends and family. But this is one of those dishes that anyone can make. Serve this wonderful Italian-inspired casserole any time.

I love using hot and spicy Italian sausage, but if you don't like it too spicy, you can use sweet Italian sausage instead. You need a skillet to first cook the sausage, as well as a pot to boil the pasta. Once the meat and pasta are cooked, combine everything right in the pasta pot and pour into a casserole dish. Parmesan cheese and basil are optional, but I love to add these two tasty ingredients. The more cheese, the better, right? Finally, bake for 45 minutes, and it's ready to serve. Serve with oven-roasted zucchini for a complete meal.

Ingredients
1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
1/2 yellow onion, small diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 pound dry ziti
1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves (optional)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. In a large skillet on medium-high heat, brown and crumble the Italian sausage. Lower heat to medium-low. Add onion and garlic, cooking for 1 additional minute.

3. Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot. Drain pasta and return to pot.

4. Stir in sausage, marinara sauce and salt and pepper. Stir in basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.

5. Transfer sausage and pasta mixture into a casserole dish. Top with mozzarella cheese.

6. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue to bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese turns golden brown.