Baked Ziti

Created by Chef Robert Irvine

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 1 tbsp. canola oil
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed with the side of a knife blade, and minced
• 1 29-32 oz. can crushed red tomatoes in puree
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil, plus about 6 small sprigs for garnish
• 1 tbsp. dried Italian seasoning
• Salt
• 1 lb. dried ziti pasta
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan

Directions

1. Heat canola oil in a saute pan over medium heat and add onion and garlic. Saute until the onions become translucent. Add tomatoes, parsley, basil, and Italian seasoning. Cover and let simmer about 25 minutes.
2. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Bring a pot of water to boiling for the pasta. Add salt and pasta and boil until pasta is al dente – about 10 minutes.
3. Drain pasta well stir into pot of sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with cheeses. Bake until cheese is melted.