Baked Penne With Tomatoes, Basil And Sausage

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly oil a large baking dish.

In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until it\'s soft, about 7 minutes.

Add the garlic and sausage and cook, stirring, until the sausage is browned, 5 to 7 minutes more. If the sausage has given off a lot of fat, pour it off before you continue.

While the sausage is browning, cook the penne pasta in 6 quarts boiling salt water until it\'s al dente, about 6 to 9 minutes. Drain the pasta well.

Add the tomatoes with their juice to the sausage and let the mixture simmer, uncovered, until the liquid thickens, about 20 minutes. Add the basil and season with salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan and parsley; season with salt and pepper. Toss the pasta into the cheese mixture.

Add sausage mixture and toss again. Add mozzarella and pour everything into prepared dish. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and bake, uncovered, about 20 minutes, until top is lightly browned. Serve immediately.