BAKED ZITI

Previously Posted - 6/16/09

Ingredients:
1 lb. Dried Ziti Pasta
Kosher Salt
3-1/2 Cups Marinara Sauce
1/2 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 lb. Fresh Mozzarella, (cut 1/2 lb into cubes and slice 1/2 lb)
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper

Preheat the oven to 400°. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously, and boil the pasta until tender but still slightly firm. Drain.

In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta wit the marinara sauce, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, and the cubed mozzarella pieces. Season with black pepper and red pepper to taste, and mix until well combined. Transfer the pasta to an oiled 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Cover the top of the pasta with sliced mozzarella, and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan. Bake until lightly browned and hot, about 30 minutes.

Serve immediately.

You may also add cooked, drained hamburger to the pasta sauce before mixing with the Ziti, if desired.