• Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Cook the pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water (at least 2 quarts of water with 1 tablespoon salt) to a strong boil. Add the 1 pound ziti pasta and cook until al dente (cooked but firm - it will continue cooking in the oven). When done, drain the pasta and set aside.

Make the meat sauce:

• Meanwhile, while the pasta is cooking, brown the 1 pound Italian sausage in a large sauté pan on medium-high heat.
  
• Once the meat is starting to brown, add 1 large yellow onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes. The onions should absorb any excess oil in the pan. Add 4 cloves garlic and 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, stir to combine and cook for a few more minutes.
  
• Add sauce and bring to a simmer.
  

Bake the Baked Ziti casserole:

• Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole pan.
  
• Combine a large spoonful of the 28 ounces marinara sauce with the cooked ziti and add the pasta to the casserole dish.
  
• Spoon about half of the 2 cups ricotta cheese onto the pasta and spread to create an even layer.
  
• Spread the remaining meat sauce onto the pasta.
  
• Top with remaining ricotta cheese and 1 tablespoon fresh basil.
  
• Add the remaining pasta. Pour the remaining sauce over the pasta and cover casserole with the 8 ounces mozzarella cheese and 1 cup parmesan cheese.
  
• Bake in oven at 350°F, covered with foil or an oven safe lid, for about 20 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking until the top is lightly browned and the cheese melted.