Healthier Baked Ziti

Ingredients

• 1 pound whole-wheat ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, 8-10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Drain the ziti and return it to the pot. Add the sauce and basil and stir to combine.
6. Spread half of the ziti mixture in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the ricotta cheese and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining ziti mixture and spread the remaining ricotta cheese over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that is popular in Italian restaurants and homes alike.
• This dish is a great way to use up leftover pasta sauce.
• This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen for up to 2 months.