BAKED ZITI - 30 MINUTE MEAL

The search for some really good 30 minute meals has started.

PINE TREE POST | 30 Minute Meal Section

The Place Under the Pine's resident chef, Jen, has recently been on the hunt for some new and 'quick' recipes. One recent hit was Baked Ziti Skillet. It is a pinterest recipe that Jen modified slightly.

Not only does it look appealing...

Food pictures never seem to work out that well eh?

It was given thumbs up by both O & Osquared (major praise, since O rarely likes pasta or tomato based sauces).

It was so good he didn't even spill any on his Brock University bib.

The look of pure enjoyment!

The other critic, Elle-boy, was having a rough night and was not present for picture time. Later on he gave it a try and parleyed some positive comments.

The two adults of the PUTP thought it was excellent, rich, filling, and to quote Rachel Ray, "you could entertain with it"!

Chef Jen reported the meal took about 40 minutes to prepare and that it was not too hard. That being said, we all know Jen is very proficient and quick in the kitchen, and that her skills are right up there with the pros. So, this may be a bit more than a novice level meal, but, not too bad that is should frighten off those basic cooks out there.

Baked Ziti Skillet

1 lb - Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 can diced tomatoes (salt free)
1/2 jar Ragu
1/2 can tomato paste
16 oz ricotta
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 lb pasta (ziti or penne)
3 cups water
mozzarella cheese
parmesan cheese

1) Cook sausage. Then add tomato sauce, tomato paste, seasoning, pasta, and water. Cover and bring to a boil. Boil until pasta is al dente.
2) In a bowl combine ricotta, parm, salt and pepper
3) Stir ricotta into pasta. Preheat oven to broil. Put pasta into casserole dish, top with mozza cheese and throw into the broiling cooker. Take out when cheese is melted.

Not only is this dish wonderful the first day, it works well as leftovers.

Kingston | 8:15