Shelly's Recipe

BAKED PENNE WITH MOZZARELLA AND BASIL

Category: Pasta - Baked

1 lb penne, ziti, or bow tie pasta, uncooked
1 tsp salt
1 (16 oz) jar vodka-flavored tomato sauce (or your favorite flavor)
1/2 lb fresh mozzarella, cubed
1/2 cup loosely packed chopped fresh basil
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Place rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the pasta and salt, reduce the heat to medium high, and cook the pasta, uncovered, according to the package directions until just done, 6 to 7 minutes.

Drain the pasta well in a colander, shaking it to remove the excess water, return it to the pot. Stir in the tomato sauce, mozzarella cubes and basil. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 2-quart making dish and top with the Parmesan.

Bake the pasta until the sauce is creamy and bubbly and begins to brown, 23-25 minutes. Keep the pasta warm until ready to serve.

Makes 6 servings