The Best Baked Ziti ala Vodka

When I asked my kids what recipe I should write about next, this is the one that they picked.  It is an all time fav in our house for sure (not to mention my best friend and her family)!  

We are a baseball family.  Both my boys play from spring, through late fall. Which means the 4 of us spend A LOT of time at the ball-field!!  There are only so many hot dogs one person can eat (or should eat), so this is one of the meals that I can make ahead of time and pack up for the ball game.  

The Best Baked Ziti ala Vodka:

1 Box Ziti (1.5 lbs)
1 pkg Italian Turkey Sausage
1 C Basil (cut into ribbons)
1 Can Crushed Tomatoes (32oz)
2 C Chicken Stock
1 C Vodka
4 Cloves of garlic (minced)
1 Small Onion (diced)
1/2 a block of Cream Cheese
1 C Parm Cheese (shredded)
1 C Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
1 Container Part Skim Ricotta Cheese (15 oz)
1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 T Butter
1 tsp Salt and Pepper
1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper (or more if you like it a with a little more spice)


Preheat oven to 400.


In a large sauce pan heat the Olive Oil and the butter over medium high heat.  Add the onion, Salt/Pepper and Crushed Red Pepper.  Cook for 4 mins or until the onions start to soften.  Add the Garlic and cook for another 2 mins.  Remove the pan from the heat and add the Vodka, place back over medium high heat.  When the Vodka has reduced by about half add the Tomatoes, Chicken Stock and Basil.  Reduce heat to medium and put the lid on the pan to allow some steam to escape.  Simmer for about 20 mins. 



While the sauce is simmering, place the Italian Turkey Sausage in a large skillet over medium high heat with 1/2 C water and cover.  When the water has almost evaporated remove the lid and turn the sausage. Continue cooking for 5 mins, or until cooked thru. Remove from pan and allow the Sausage to rest for 5 mins before cutting into bite size cubes.

Cook the Ziti in a large pot of salted water until it is a little under done. Drain. 

Add the Cream Cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and combined.  Pour it into the bottom of a deep 9x13 pan.  Add 1/2 of the Parm Cheese, 1/2 Mozzarella, Ricotta, Turkey Sausage and Ziti.  Stir to combine.  Top with the remainder of Parm and Mozzarella Cheeses.  Cover with foil and bake for 30 mins.  Remove foil and continue cooking for 10 mins until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.   Wait about 5 mins before serving.