Lasagna-Style Baked Ziti

Ariella's Note:

A vegetarian-ized version of a Real Simple recipe. I also substituted cottage cheese for ricotta because my husband doesn't like the texture of ricotta.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh oregano (optional)
• 1 (26 ounce) jar pasta sauce
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 (15 ounce) container low fat cottage cheese
• 1 (10 ounce) box frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed to remove liquid
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Cook the ziti according to the package instructions.
2. Heat oven to 400°F.
3. In a large pot, over medium-low heat, heat the oil. Add the onion, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook until the onion is transparent, 10-12 minutes. Add the garlic and oregano (if using) and cook for 2 minutes. Add the pasta sauce and heat for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add the Parmesan, ricotta, and spinach and toss again. Spread the mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or individual ramekins and sprinkle with the mozzarella. Bake until the mozzarella melts, about 15 minutes.
4. Tip: If you prefer, substitute chopped broccoli for the spinach.
5. To Freeze: Assemble (but do not bake) the casserole. Cover tightly with two layers of aluminum foil. Store for up to 3 months.
6. To Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or thaw partially in the microwave. Cover and heat in a 350° F oven for 1 hour. Uncover and heat until the mozzarella melts, about 10 minutes more.

Reviews

[Quilterbyday]

This was a great recipe. We substituted whole grain pasta and it turned out great. We both grew up on feed lots, and next time, we will probably add a pound of hamburger. We didn't put in the fresh oregano and we used frozen broccoli instead of spinach, but all in all, a great meal. Defiantly will make again!

[Julie F]

We enjoyed this recipe. I substituted rotini because I couldn't find whole wheat ziti. It was good and it is nice to make ahead, then pop in the oven when you're ready to eat.

[The Amaze-Ing Me]

Easy to make and yummy! Only drawback was the toddler wouldn't touch it--so much for sneaking him some spinach! ;) Lots of room to play with this recipe and it made lots so I can freeze for meals on hectic days. Thanks for sharing! Caution: Make sure you really like/have tried the jarred sauce before you add it! oops.