Smoky Veal Tomato Sauce - Ontario Veal Appeal

Ingredients

• 1 lb (454 g) ground Ontario veal
• 1 tsp (5 mL) extra virgin olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) dried oregano leaves
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) hot pepper flakes
• 2 jars (660 mL each) tomato passata (strained tomatoes)
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) water
• 1 box (454 g) rigatoni pasta
• 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped fresh basil
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)