Vegetarian Baked Ziti

The sauteed onions and garlic are the key to making this dish so delicious. Feel free to add mushrooms or zucchini to the saute pan- just don't add any veggies directly to the baking pan without sauteeing them first or the flavor and texture will suffer.

• Ready In: 55 mins
• Serves: 4
• Yields: 4 large portions

Ingredients

• 1  lb ziti pasta or 1  lb rigatoni pasta or 1  lb penne
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14 ounce) can whole tomatoes
• 1 1⁄4 cups ricotta cheese
• 8  ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1⁄3 cup parsley, chopped
• 1⁄2 tablespoon dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh, shredded)
• 1⁄2 tablespoon dried oregano
•  black pepper, freshly ground
• 1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1⁄4 cup  breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Cook the ziti to just before al dente.
2. Coat a 9'x12" baking dish with olive oil. Set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the onion until translucent.
4. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Don't let the garlic brown.
5. Crush the tomatoes with your hands and add to the skillet. Add in the juice from the can.
6. Cook for 3-5 minutes.
7. In a large bowl mix the ricotta and mozarella cheeses.
8. Add the parsley, basil, oregano, salt, red pepper, a few grinds of pepper, and mix.
9. Add the tomato-onion mixture and mix well.
10. When the ziti is drained add to the cheese mixture and toss well to coat the pasta.
11. Spoon the mixture into the baking dish.
12. Sprinkle the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese on top of the pasta.
13. Bake at 400F for 20-30 minutes, or until lightly browned.
14. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.