Shepherd's Pasta, version 2: Ziti al Pastora

1. 1

   Place the sausage in a frying pan, add 1/4 cup water, cover and cook over medium-high heat 6 minutes.

2. 2

   Remove the lid and cook for an additional 15 minutes, until the water evaporates and the sausage is browned.

3. 3

   Pour off any excess fat.

4. 4

   Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons salt.

5. 5

   Cook the ziti in the boiling water according to the package directions, until tender yet al dente.

6. 6

   Meanwhile, add the ricotta to the sausages and mix in the pepper flakes and salt and pepper, to taste.

7. 7

   Drain the cooked pasta, reserving the cooking liquid, and stir it in to the sausage/ricotta mixture.

8. 8

   Add some of the pasta cooking water if necessary to loosen up the mixture, and season again with salt and pepper, if necessary.

9. 9

   Top with grated pecorino and divide evenly among 6 pasta bowls.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.