BAKED ZITI (JERSEY SPECIAL + SWEET SWEET ONION VERSION)

Some call it a casserole. We call it an edible group therapy session with a cheese crust.

💥 What You’ll Need to Feel Better:

  • 1 lb ziti rigati (because elbows don’t have the emotional range)

  • Olive oil (just enough to feel like you’re cooking, not greasing a Slip ‘N Slide)

  • 1 sweet onion (browned whole—yes, the whole damn thing)

  • 5–6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced like your last nerve

  • 1 lb hot Italian sausage (casings removed, just like your emotional defenses)

  • 1 small tube tomato paste (you’ll use most, but don’t panic)

  • 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes (preferably Cento)

  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes (same)

  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, fresh basil (season like someone’s judging)

  • 2 cups whole milk ricotta (Galbani if you know what’s good)

  • 1 block low-moisture mozzarella, shredded (don’t you dare buy it pre-shredded)

  • 1 block provolone cheese, shredded

  • 1 block Parmigiano Reggiano, grated with respect

  • 1 egg (binds it all—like your best friend in a group chat)

🍲 How to Cook Your Feelings:

  1. Sauce Therapy: In a big-ass pan, add olive oil. Drop in whole sweet onion and let it brown on both sides like a moody foundation. Remove it. Add garlic and sausage. Cook until crumbly, spicy, and making your kitchen smell like a hug from Nonna with boundary issues.

  2. Tomato Soul Dump: Stir in tomato paste. Then add crushed and whole tomatoes (crush those by hand like you're venting). Season aggressively. Toss the onion back in. Let it simmer while you reflect on every mistake that led you here.

  3. Cheese Group Hug: In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, Parm, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a bit of oregano. Stir like you’re folding in your emotions.

  4. Ziti Pre-Game: Boil ziti until just shy of done—al dente, not mushy like your ex. Drain and toss with a ladle of sauce and a bit of pasta water to make it feel seen.

  5. Layer Your Trauma: In a greased baking dish:

    • Sauce on the bottom

    • Tossed pasta

    • Cheese mixture (generous like your therapist's nods)

    • Repeat layers

    • Finish with more sauce, a heroic blanket of mozzarella, and Parm

  6. Bake It Til It Heals You: Cover with foil. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 until the top is bubbling, crisped, and ready to accept compliments.

  7. Let It Rest (and You Too): Cool for 10 minutes before serving. Reflect. Feel. Eat

🧀 Feeling Tip:
“You don’t have to fix everything today. Just start with cheese, heat, and someone who stirs when you need silence.”