Brookie's Fantastic Ziti

This is actually a Rachael Ray 30 minute meal (from the original cookbook) However, I have made a few modifications and since Brookie (my 5 year old niece) is always assisting me with my R.R. cooking adventures, I thought it only appropriate to name it after her.
This dish is also quite tasty as a vegetarian dish. Just eliminate the sausage and double the beans. I also increase the crushed pepper to about 3/4 tsp. (You learn how to make some yummy vegetarian dishes when your roommate is a vegetarian)


Brookie’s Fantastic Ziti

1 lb. bulk sausage
2 T olive oil
3 cloves garlic
½ tsp. crushed red pepper
1 small onion, diced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) cannelloni beans (white beans)
20 basil leaves torn or roughly chopped
1 lb. ziti or penne rigatte, cooked al dente

In a deep skillet, break up sausage and sauté over medium-high heat. Remove from pan to paper-towel lined plate to drain. Return pan to heat; reduce heat to medium low. Add olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes and onion and cook 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, basil and beans and heat through. Return sausage to sauce. Drain pasta and combine with sauce. Serve with lots of cheese. (I prefer Peccirino Romano)