Four-Cheese Baked Ziti
Light & Tasty
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Diane Nemitz of Ludington, Michigan writes, “A day without pasta is a like a day without sunshine!” Beefed up with vegetables and cheese, her mouth-watering baked ziti will definitely make days brighter.
SERVINGS: 8
CATEGORY: Lower Fat
METHOD: Baked
TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 10 min.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced green pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) Italian diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 ounces uncooked ziti or small tube pasta
- 1 cup (8 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
In a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, saute the onion, green pepper, carrots and garlic until crisp-tender. Stir in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, broth and pepper flakes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook ziti according to package directions; drain and return to pan. Stir in the vegetable mixture, ricotta, provolone and basil.
Transfer to a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Yield: 8 servings.