Pasta al Forno {Baked Pasta with Tomatoes and Mozzarella}
Yield: 6servings
Prep Time: 5 minutesmins
Cook Time: 25 minutesmins
Total Time: 30 minutesmins
Ingredients
1tablespoonextra-virgin olive oil
2garlic cloves, finely minced
2 cans(14-ounces each)diced tomatoes
1teaspoondried oregano
1teaspoondried basil
½teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonblack pepper
1poundpenne pasta or other tube-shaped pasta
8ouncesmozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
⅔cupshredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large pot of lightly salted water, cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. While the pasta is cooking, in a 10- or 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Add the tomatoes (undrained), oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is slightly thickened. Add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
After draining the pasta, return the noodles to the pot and pour in the sauce. Toss to combine. Lightly coat a 9X13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Place half of the pasta in the dish. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan and half of the mozzarella cubes over the top. Top with remaining pasta. Sprinkle remaining cheeses over the top. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.