Cheesy Tomato Basil Baked Torellini

Prep time: 20-25 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients

• 4 cups crushed canned tomatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• pinch brown sugar
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup finely grated asiago cheese (or Parmesan)
• 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup bread or cracker crumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb package cheese tortellini
• 3-4 cooked chicken breasts, diced

Cooking Directions

1. In a medium saucepan over medium flame, heat the 2 tbsp olive oil and add the minced garlic. Saute for a minute.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.
3. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the sauce reduces and begins to thicken.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and asiago cheese.
5. Cook the tortellini in salted water and boil for 10 minutes or according to the package directions.Drain.
6. Stir the drained tortellini and diced chicken into the sauce.
7. Sprinkle on the grated mozzarella.
8. Pour the pasta and sauce into a greased casserole dish.
9. Toss together the bread or cracker crumbs, olive oil (or melted butter), grated Parmesan and 2 tsp black pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the mozzarella.
10. Bake in a pretested 375 degree F oven for about 35 minutes or until the crumbs are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.