Ziti al Forno with Ricotta (Baked Ziti)

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 25-ounce jar tomato purée or 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• water to rinse jar or can
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4-5 fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1-1/4 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
• salt for cooking
• 1 pound dried ziti
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano- Reggiano, divided

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan, heat the oil on medium.

2. 2

   Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the tomato purée or crushed tomatoes and salt.

4. 4

   Fill the jar or can with 2 inches of water, rinse it out, and add the water to the pan, along with the basil.

5. 5

   Bring the sauce to a boil and reduce the heat to simmer, stirring occasionally for 15 to 20 minutes.

6. 6

   Stir in the ricotta until combined.

7. 7

   Ladle out 2 cups of sauce.

8. 8

   Drop the pasta into a large pot of generously salted boiling water.

9. 9

   Cook for half the time specified in the package instructions then drain.

10. 10

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

11. 11

    Ladle 1 cup of the reserved sauce into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

12. 12

    Add the drained pasta to the remaining sauce and toss until evenly coated.

13. 13

    Add half the tossed pasta to the baking dish and top with 4 ounces of mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of Parmigiano-Reggiano.

14. 14

    Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

15. 15

    Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

16. 16

    Uncover and top with the remaining mozzarella.

17. 17

    Bake for an additional 10 minutes.

18. 18

    Cool for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.