Spicy Italian Pasta Bake

¼ c diced onion
1 t olive oil
1 lg garlic clove, minced
1 ½ c canned Italian tomatoes, pureed
2 T chopped fresh basil or oregano or 1 t dried leaves
1 ½ c cooked whole-wheat ziti macaroni
¼ c part-skim ricotta cheese or part-skim cottage cheese
1 T grated Parmesan cheese (fresh is best)
1 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
1 t red chili flakes

In a skillet, combine onion and oil. Sauté for 3 minutes until onion is translucent. Add garlic and sauté for one minute more making sure the garlic does not burn. Stir in tomatoes, chili flakes, and basil (or oregano) and simmer slowly for 15 minutes. Taste and add salt and pepper as desired.

Transfer ¾ c of the tomato mixture to a medium mixing bowl; add ziti, ricotta (or cottage) cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well. Spray 1-qt casserole with non-stick cooking spray; spread ziti mixture evenly in casserole. Spread remaining tomato mixture evenly over ziti mixture and then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or until mixture is heated through and mozzarella is melted.

Makes 2 servings.


Number of Servings: 2

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user BARBSHAKESPEARE.