Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Whatcha' Cookin' Wednesday - "Easiest Baked Ziti Ever"

I have twins. I have no time. I love this recipe. 'nuf said.

Easiest Baked Ziti Ever

16 oz. ziti pasta
15 oz. ricotta
1 cup parmesan
2 cups mozzarella
salt and pepper to taste
2 - 28 oz. cans of diced tomatoes (I'm partial to Muir Glen organic)
1 medium onion, chopped
4-6 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 teaspoon fresh oregano)
1 tablespoon of olive oil
***(you may also use 2 bottles of prepared tomato sauces instead of making your own "quickie sauce" with onion, garlic, diced tomatoes and spices)

***(optional - 2 cups of browned ground turkey or beef)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease (I use non-stick spray) 9 x 13 pan.

Boil pasta until "al dente", about 12 minutes. While pasta is boiling, sautee onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Add diced tomatoes and spices and simmer for about 10 minutes. Drain pasta and put in large bowl. Add ricotta, tomato sauce, 1 cup of mozz and mix well. (Add meat here if desired.) Pour into greased dish. Top with remaining mozz, then parm. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until brown and bubbly.

3 comments :

Lisa said...

I like to add a little splash of red wine to dishes like this.
Two splashes actually. One for the recipe and one on the side :)

Got Triplets? said...

Thank goodness for your Wednesday posts! They are always our Friday dinners!

Jennifer said...

Hey-O! I made a version of this tonight and it was TASTY! Thanks for the recipe!!