3 Cheese Baked Pasta

By bbarton81

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ziti, Rigatoni, Mostaccioli, or other medium pasta shape, uncooked
• Vegetable oil cooking spray
• 1 onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 14.5oz can low-sodium diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 15oz container low-fat ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup skim milk
• 1/3 cup chopped Italian parsley
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil (or 1 tbsp dry)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Preparation

Step 1

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside in large bowl. Preheat oven to 400 F.

Spray a non-stick skillet with vegetable oil cooking spray. Heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and saute 1 more minute. Remove from heat. Stir in tomatoes.

Place ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, and milk in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth.

Add the tomato and cheese mixtures, parsley, basil, and pepper to the cooked pasta. Toss well to combine.

Spray a 2 1/2 to 3 qt (a 8 or 9 x 12"oblong dish works well) baking dish with vegetable spray. Spoon the past mixture into the dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 2 tbsp parmesan cheese.

Bake at 400 F for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.