Ziti Baked With Spinach, Tomatoes, and Smoked Gouda

Submitted by That is Dr House to

"From Cooking Light who suggests that you can substitute smoked cheddar for the Gouda, if you like."

 

• Ready In: 30mins
• Ingredients: 9
• Serves: 5

ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 14 1⁄2 ounces diced tomatoes, see note
• 10 ounces Italian-style diced tomatoes
• 4 cups Baby Spinach
• 1 1⁄4 1 1/4 cups cheddar cheese or 1 1/4 cups vegan cheddar cheese, divided

directions

1. Note: Tomato should contain basil, garlic, and oregano. Look for the canned version.
2. Preheat oven to 375°.
3. Cook pasta according to package directions but OMIT salt and fat. Drain well.
4. Heat the oil in a large heavy pan over medium high heat. Add onion and pepper then sauté 5 minutes. Add garlic to pan then sauté 2 minutes or until onion is tender.
5. Stir in tomatoes and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add spinach to pan then cook, stirring frequently, for 30 seconds or until it wilts. Remove from heat.
7. Add cooked pasta and 3/4 cup cheese to tomato mixture, tossing well to combine.
8. Spoon pasta mixture into an 11 x 7 baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray.
9. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
10. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until cheese melts and begins to brown.
11. A note: Vegan subs may not act like normal cheese instead watch the time.
12. For Vegan use the soy cheese.

Reviews

[Vino Girl]

Fresh, light, and delicious. I did not use any peppers (didn't have any on hand) and I used fresh tomatoes instead of canned, adding some Italian seasoning. I also added some sun-dried tomatoes and topped this with fresh basil and parsley at the end. DH asked me if there was meat in this, because with the smoked gouda it does taste almost like there's bacon in it. Thank you!

 

[KLHquilts]

Loved it! The smoked gouda made all the difference. I tweaked this a bit; I used a whole wheat, high-fiber fusilli, and a reduced-fat smoked gouda. And I threw in two links of low-fat jalapeno chicken sausage, thinly sliced, and two small zucchini, just to add more bulk/fiber without adding much fat or many calories. Very flavorful, and a wonderful dish on a chilly night. Thanks for posting!

 

[tara portee]

This was a good way to use some smoked gouda that I needed to use up.It made it pretty unique as far as pasta dishes go. I loved all the veggies. I did add some browned ground pork and beef to satisfy my husband. I think I would have loved it with a can of tomato sauce and a little tomato paste added.

 

[Halcyon Eve]

Delicious! The smoky flavor from the cheese gives it a nice meatiness (but without the meat!). We made this using apple-smoked gouda, and I used Barilla Plus penne instead of ziti. Also, I used 2 cans Italian diced tomatoes and skipped the stewed tomatoes. Thanks for posting, Philocrates!

 

[sweetysjd]

This was great! I used the gouda and also substituted red peppers for the yellow. I also only used one 14oz can of italian diced tomatoes. I liked it very much, it was very easy and I'll make it again for sure!