Quick Ziti with Swiss Cheese and Ham

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups diced ham
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes.
3. Drain and set aside.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the ham and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked ziti.
9. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with the Swiss cheese.
10. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
11. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.

Interesting Facts

• Ziti is a type of pasta that is slightly curved and tubular in shape.
• Swiss cheese is a type of cheese that originated in Switzerland and is known for its nutty flavor and holes or “eyes.”
• Ham is a type of meat that is typically cured with salt or sugar and smoked or cooked.