Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti

1 pound of ziti pasta
4 cups Marinara Sauce (recipe follows)
8 oz. (2 cups) mozzarella, shredded
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain..
Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer pasta to a 3 to 4 quart baking dish. Add 2 cups of marinara sauce, 4 ounces of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and toss until well combined.
Top with the remaining sauce and sprinkle on the remaining cheeses. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake until the cheese on top is melted and slightly browned, 15-20 minutes.

Marinara Sauce

1 T extra-virgin olive oil
1 med. onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp. hot red pepper flakes, optional or to taste
1 T anchovy paste, optional but recommended
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 T chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Salt and pepper

Heat a small pot over medium heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil, onions, garlic, pepper flakes and anchovy paste. Cook until onions are softened.. Add herbs, tomatoes, salt and pepper. Stir sauce, bring to a boil, turn down to a simmer and simmer 30 minutes over low heat.

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