Baked Ziti

Tomato Sauce:
1/3 cup olive oil
4 to 6 garlic cloves, smashed
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
2 14-ounce cans stewed tomatoes
1/4 cup dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1/3 cup dry red wine
1 teaspoon salt
black pepper, to taste

1 pound dried ziti (or penne)
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
3 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Tomato Sauce: In a heavy pot, saut� the garlic in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown. Remove the garlic from pot and discard. Place the diced tomatoes and one can of stewed tomatoes in a food processor or blender. Pulse until tomatoes are coarsely chopped. Pour them into the pot. Stir in the remaining can of stewed tomatoes, basil, thyme and sugar. Bring the sauce to a boil. Add the wine and continue cooking for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Cool slightly.

Cook the ziti or penne in a large pot according to package directions; but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes so that the pasta is slightly undercooked. Drain, but do not rinse the pasta. Return the pasta to the pot. Add a small amount of the tomato sauce and toss to keep the pasta from sticking.

In small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, parsley, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese.

Coat a large casserole or baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place half of the cooked pasta in the casserole. Drop the ricotta mixture by spoonfuls over the top of the pasta. (It is not necessary to cover all exposed pasta.) Pour about 2 cups of the tomato sauce over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta. Pour about 2 more cups of the tomato sauce over the second layer of pasta. Cover the top with the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Note: During baking the pasta will absorb some of the sauce.

In a pre-heated 350 degree oven, bake the ziti for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top layer of cheese is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Serve with a bowl of the remaining sauce.

Serves 4 to 6.