Classic Cheesy Baked Ziti

Classic Cheesy Baked Ziti

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) ziti pasta (or any other short pasta shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add the tomatoes and spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Combine pasta and sauce: In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked ziti with the tomato sauce. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

6. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. Then, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella.

7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

8. Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious cheesy baked ziti!

This Cheesy Baked Ziti is a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weekend family dinner. You can also add cooked ground beef or sausage to the sauce for extra flavor if desired.