MACARONI AND CHEESE (ITALIAN STYLE)

1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 clove garlic
4 tablespoons cooking oil
1 (6 oz.) can Hunt’s Tomato Paste
2 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon basil or oregano
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 lb. uncooked large macaroni (rigatoni, penne, etc.), cooked and drained
1 lb ricotta or cottage cheese (2 cups)

Cook onion, celery and garlic in oil until soft.

Remove garlic. Add Hunt’s Tomato Paste mixed with water and seasonings. Bring to boil. Lower heat; simmer slowly 1 hour.

In shallow baking dish (8 x 8 x 2 inches) put a thin layer of sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with half the macaroni. Add ricotta, cover with half the remaining sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Add macaroni and last of sauce; sprinkle top generously with grated Parmesan.

Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees F) 30 minutes.

Makes 4 servings
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe booklet: Let's Cook Italian with Hunt's Tomato Paste, Hunt Foods, not dated (maybe 1950-60's)