Pasta Al Forno

Apparently I have been making different forms of this dish for years.  "Al forno" basically means baked in the oven, so Pasta Al Forno is baked pasta.  Now that we have our little Italian lesson for the day let me just tell you this is so simple and yet it is so good.  One thing about this dish is that you can change it up to suit your needs.  Add some chicken or prosciutto.  Maybe some onion, spinach, or eggplant.  See the possibilities are endless!  Use your imagination and I am sure you will come up with something great!

YUM!  Tastes as good as it looks!

Pasta Al Forno
1 box pasta (I used penne, but any tubular pasta would work)
2 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 heaping tsp of garlic or 2 cloves minced
1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes (I used diced with garlic, basil, and oregano)
Salt and Pepper to taste
8 oz fresh mozzarella torn into pieces
2/3 cup of fresh grated parmesan cheese

1. Prepare noodles according to box
2. Heat oil over medium-high heat and then add garlic.  Cook for about 1 minute
3. Add tomatoes (DO NOT drain) to garlic and simmer over medium-high heat until reduced.  About 10-15 minutes
4. Mix noodles and sauce well then place half of the mixture in a prepared 9x13 baking dish.
5. Top with half the parmesan and half the mozzarella. 
6. Add the rest of the noodles and then layer the rest of the cheese on top
7. Bake for about 15 minutes in a preheated 400 degree oven
8. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.  ENJOY!

So good and cheesy :)

Everyone loved this, but who doesn't like baked pasta?  This will definitely be made again.  I love recipes that are versatile like this.  I will sneak in some more veggies next time I make this and maybe some chicken...YUM!