Baked Ziti American-Style

Fast and easy; 4-6 Servings

Ingredients:

16 ounces Ziti
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 1/2 cups milk
4 tomatoes
1/2 cup Parmigiano cheese, freshly grated
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup Italian flavored bread crumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

Cook Ziti as directed; drain and set aside.
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, salt, pepper and oregano; cook 1 minute or until bubbly. Gradually stir in milk. Cook 2-3 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Peel, seed and chop 3 tomatoes. Slice remaining tomato; set aside.
Combine bread crumbs and olive oil in a small cup and set aside.
Stir together pasta, white sauce, chopped tomatoes, cheese and basil in a large bowl.
Put pasta mixture in a baking dish; arrange tomato slices on top and sprinkle with bread crumbs.
Bake for 30 minutes.