EASY CHEESY BAKED ZITI CASSEROLE

Baked ziti is a very easy and inexpensive dish to make since it only uses a few ingredients and is an extremely filling entree. That said, the quality of the dish depends more upon the technique used to make it. I’ve made this version of baked ziti for many parties and dinner guests, and it’s always been enjoyed. My trick is that rather than simply pouring the cheese and sauce over the top, I like to mix everything together, casserole-style. I also like to slow-bake it so that everything cooks evenly and the top and sides don’t burn.

INGREDIENTS:

1 package penne pasta

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 large jars spaghetti sauce (i.e. Prego or Ragu)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 cup ricotta cheese

Pinch of oregano

Cooking spray, such as Pam

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the pasta, according to package directions. To make it “al dente” and not too mushy, I let the water rise to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer — all of which takes about 12 minutes. Add in the Tbsp of olive oil to give some flavor to the pasta and to prevent the noodles from sticking. When the pasta is soft, but still firm (not crunchy!), drain and set aside to let cool.

2. Stir together the cheeses and the eggs until they’re thoroughly mixed in together.

3. Spray a large, square pan or tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spoon in a third of the penne noodles and spread evenly across the pan. Layer on a generous portion of the cheese mixture and spread it over the pasta; add a spoonful of sauce and spread that across. Repeat the process until all of the pasta is used, but set aside enough sauce and mozzarella for the topping.

4. Once all of the layers have been completed, pout the remainder of the tomato sauce over the ziti and then sprinkle on the rest of the mozzarella. Add a pinch of oregano.

5. Place tinfoil over the dish (to prevent it from drying out). Bake in a moderately warm oven (about 250 degrees) for about an hour or until the cheese on the top is golden and bubbly.

Serves about 8