Meredith's Sausage and Ziti Casserole

1 (1-pound) package uncooked ziti (short tube-shaped pasta)

1 pound hot turkey Italian sausage links

1 cup chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 (14.5-ounce) cans petite-diced tomatoes, undrained

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Cooking Spray

1 cup (4 ounces) shredded fresh mozzarella cheese

1 cup (4 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.  Drain the pasta, and set aside.  Remove casings from sausage.  Cook sausage, onion, and garlic in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble.  Add the tomato paste, salt, pepper and tomatoes, and bring to a boil.  Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Combine cooked pasta, sausage mixture, and basil.  Place half of the pasta mixture in a 4-quart casserole coated with cooking spay.  Top with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan.  Repeat layers.  Bake for 25 minutes or until bubbly.

Yield: 8 Servings (serving size 1 1/2 cups)