Baked Pasta with Spinach

This is an great recipe.  I love the ricotta in it; it adds creaminess to this healthy dish.

Low Fat Baked Pasta with Spinach

 

photo credit here

Recipe from http://www.skinnytaste.com

Ingredients: 
  
12 oz uncooked pasta such as ziti

28 oz crushed tomatoes

1 tsp olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

10 oz frozen spinach, thawed1 tsp oregano

2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

salt and fresh pepper to taste

8 oz fat-free ricotta

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups (8 oz) shredded part skim mozzarella

olive oil cooking spray  

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°.Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with oil spray.

In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta according to instructions until al dente. Drain and return to pot.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, add olive oil and sauté garlic. Add chopped spinach, salt pepper and chopped tomatoes. Season with basil, oregano, salt and pepper. 

Add sauce to the pasta and combine the ziti. Add half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and ricotta. Mix well then transfer to the baking pan.

Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until mozzarella is melted and the edges are lightly browned. Let it cool 5 minutes, then cut it into 8 equal portions.

This can be made up to a day in advance and stored, tightly covered, in the refrigerator. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.