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Baked Ziti Recipe

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This recipe for Baked Ziti is from Palmer Family Cookbook , one of the cookbooks created at FamilyCookbookProject.com. We'll help you start your own personal cookbook! It's easy and fun. Click here to start your own cookbook!
Category:
Category:
Ingredients:  
Ingredients:  
1 lb dried ziti pasta
Kosher salt
3 1/2 cups Quick Tomato Sauce, recipe follows
1 pound fresh mozzarella, half cut into 1/2-inch cubes and half thinly sliced
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch red pepper flakes

QUICK TOMATO SAUCE:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound mild or spicy Italian sausages, casing removed and crumbled (we try to purchase ground sausage rather than links)
1/4 medium onion, diced (about 3 tablespoons)
3 cloves garlic, chopped
3 1/2 cups whole, peeled, canned tomatoes in puree, (one 28-ounce can), roughly chopped (we use diced tomatoes if we can’t find whole, peeled in puree)
Sprig fresh thyme
Sprig fresh basil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Directions:
QUICK TOMATO SAUCE
Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the onion and garlic, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes more. Add the tomatoes and the herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.

Remove and discard herb sprigs; stir in salt and pepper to taste.

Use now or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

BAKED ZITI
Preheat the oven to 400º.

Prepare 9x13 inch baking dish: lightly grease with PAM.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously, and boil the pasta until al dente, tender but still slightly firm. Drain.

Toss the cooked pasta with the Quick Tomato Sauce, cubed mozzarella, half the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Transfer the pasta to prepared baking dish. Cover the top of the pasta with the sliced mozzarella, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.

Bake until lightly browned and hot, about 30 minutes. Broil for 3-5 minutes to get a crispy topping. Serve immediately with green salad and hot, crusty italian bread.
Personal Notes:
Personal Notes:
A delicious reminder of our Italian roots!

 

 

 

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