Baked Ziti
By dette
It may seem that baked ziti would have to be off-limits on the Biggest Loser meal plan. Fortunately, ti's not so.l While you don't want to eat baked ziti for eery meal, it's no problem to enjoy as a treat every once in awhile, thanks to reduced-ft cheese and the fiber-enriched pastas that are now available. Remember, to maintain long-term weight loss it's important not to feel deprived. Enjoying much healthier version of your favorite "cheat foods" from time to time cna help keep you on track
- 8
Ingredients
- Olive Oil spray
- 1 (14 1/2oz) box fiber-enriched ziti or penne rigate
- (I used Ronzoni smart taste)
- 1 (15oz) container fat-free ricotta cheese
- 2 large egg whites
- 8 oz (4c) feinely shredded reduced-fat mozzarella
- cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- Main Even Marinara Sauce, or 3 1/2c. other low-fat
- low sodium, marinara
- 2 tbs grated reduced-fat parmesan cheese
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 450. Lightly mist a 13' x 9' x 2' cermic or glass baking dish with the olive oile spray.
Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain.
In a large mixing bowl, mix the ricotta, egg whites, and all but 1 c. of the mozzarella until well comvined. Add the garlic powder and season with salt, pepepr, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the cooked pasta until well combined.
Spread 1 c. of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish. Add half of the pasta in an even layer over the sauce. Top the pasta evenly with another 1 c. sauce. Layer the remaining pasta over the sauce. Spoon the remaining 1 1/2 c. sauce evenly over the top of the pasta, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the parmesan over the top.
Cover the ish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the roil and bake 10 minutes longer, or until the mozzarella is melted. Let stand 5 minutes. Cut into 8 pices or spoon among 8 bows and serve