Ziti Al Forno From The Sopranos Family Cookbook Recipes

OLIVE GARDEN FIVE-CHEESE ZITI AL FORNO

Steps:

• PREPARE THE ZITI SAUCE:.
• Combining all ingredients for the Ziti Sauce in a large bowl; cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• PREPARE THE ZITI TOPPING:.
• In a medium-size bowl, whisk together the first four ingredients for the Ziti Topping.
• Add the garlic, oil, and parsley and mix until thoroughly blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
• WHEN READY TO PREPARE THE WHOLE DISH:.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish or large casserole with non-stick spray.
• Prepare the pasta according to package directions.
• Pour 1/2 cup of prepared ziti sauce into the prepared dish, and spread it evenly over the bottom using a spoon.
• When pasta has finished cooking, drain the water and pour the hot pasta into the bowl of remaining sauce. Mix thoroughly; pour into the baking dish.
• Spread 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the pasta and sauce mixture.
• Top the mozzarella with the prepared Ziti Topping, spreading evenly.
• Place pan on center oven rack and bake until top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling, about 30 to 40 minutes.
• Remove and serve immediately.
• From: Olive Garden Restaurant.

CONCHIGLIE PUTTANESCA (BASED ON SOPRANOS' FAMILY COOKBOOK)

Steps:

• Heat 6 quarts of water to boiling. Add salt to water, if desired.
• In the meantime, in a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until golden, being very careful not to overcook it.
• Add tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, and salt (if desired). Simmer for 15 minutes or until sauce thickens somewhat.
• Once water is boiling, add conchiglie and cook until "al dente" or according to package directions, draining well (See Notes).
• Add olives, capers, and anchovies to sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in red pepper flakes.
• If serving immediately, add drained conchiglie to sauce, toss until pasta is well coated, and serve.
• NOTES: I omitted the added salt because the olives, anchovies, and rinsed capers made it plenty salty! For a spicier flavor, either increase red pepper flakes or add to sauce with olives, capers, and anchovies as cooking longer will increase the heat.
• If you want to serve the puttanesca later, allow it to cool. Rinse and drain the pasta well. Then, add the puttanesca and pasta to the Crock-Pot. Mine stayed moist and warm for the 2 hours I warmed it.