Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease your baking dish like you’re prepping for a food commercial.
Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to keep it from sticking.
Heat remaining olive oil in a frying pan. Add onion and garlic; sauté until golden and fragrant.
Stir in the vegan sausage and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and slightly crisp.
Add tomato puree, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thick and rich.
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with the sauce and half the mozzarella. Stir well until beautifully coated.
Pour the mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and nutritional yeast on top for that perfect cheesy crown.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh basil, take a dramatic sniff, and serve hot with garlic bread or smug satisfaction.
