This italian-american staple doesn't have to be filled with sauce to be tasty, as this recipe will show. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats the pasta beautifully, and some italian sausage, lots of cheese, and mushrooms provide both protein and texture. It's a refreshing change of pace from the heavier tomato-based ziti. For a heartier meal, increase the italian sausage to 1 pound. Or, for a lighter option, use turkey italian sausage. See the tips (below the recipe) for vegetarian and vegan options. The ziti casserole is baked with extra cheese melted over the top. The recipe works without any tomatoes or marinara sauce, but feel free to add some diced fresh, sun-dried, or canned tomatoes to the sauce if you'd like. Add crusty rolls or garlic bread and a basic tossed salad for a satisfying everyday dinner.