helpful hints
When serving at a buffet table, serve in the baking dish or bake ziti in a medium sized aluminum pan and use caterers racks and sterno cans to keep warm

make ahead tips
Ziti can be prepared without baking, 1 day in advance. Bring dish to room temperature before baking as directed.  Can also be baked and stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, up to 2 days ahead.  

Also bake and freeze up to 2 weeks before use.  

Make sauce only and freeze up to 1 month before use

Try this recipe on a brunch or luncheon buffet.  Also good as a sit-down dinner party entree

Brunch menus
luncheon menus
Outdoor party menus
Dinner party menus
Create delicious Party food
cooking for a crowd tips

Baked Ziti with Tomatoes, Basil and Cheese 
About 6-8 servings, recipe easily doubles, do not triple

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chopped yellow onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes, including juices, large pieces broken up

1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth  

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

1/2 to 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Hot pepper sauce to taste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

3 cups ziti

1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese plus extra for serving

Fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges for garnish

Preheat oven to 375F.  Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside

Warm oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.  Add tomatoes, broth and seasonings.  Break up tomato piece.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered,  until slightly thickened, about 30 minutes; stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat and add pasta and Monterey Jack cheese to sauce and mix well.  

Transfer to a medium-sized baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray. 

Cover with aluminum foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover, stir and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake until bubbly, about 25 minutes longer.  

Let stand 5 minutes before serving.  Serve with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges.