Baked Ziti

Ingredients

  • 1/4 c olive oil
  • 1 med. onion
  • 6 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 (29 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (6oz.) can tomato paste
  • 1 T dry crushed basil
  • 1 lb. part skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 lb. part skim ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1 (10oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed & drained
  • 1 (16oz.) box ziti, cooked to package directions

Preparation

Step 1

For sauce: Saute onion briefly in preheated olive oil over medium heat, adding garlic after a few minutes. When onions are translucent and before garlic has browned, add crushed tomatoes and paste. Add basil. Bring to a slow boil, reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours. Add salt and pepper to taste after first hour. Add water as necessary to maintain desired consistency. For filling: In a large mixing bowl combine mozzarella, ricotta, eggs and parmesan. Add spinach to cheese mixture. Add 2 cups of tomato sauce and mix. Putting it together: Add pasta to filling mixture in large bowl. Pour into a 13x9 baking dish. Cover mixture with remaining sauce. Cover the dish with heavy foil and bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes or until it is bubbling. Remove from oven and enjoy!