Baked Ziti

Baked noodles

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 16  ounces ziti pasta
• 26  ounces  red pasta sauce, any variety
• 1  cup part-skim ricotta cheese or 1  cup low fat cottage cheese
• 1 -2  cup mozzarella cheese
• 1 -2  cup  frozen peas, diced bell pepper, shredded zucchini
• 2  tablespoons  grated parmesan cheese
• 1  cup  diced cooked  meat

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and spray a large deep casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook the noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente (slightly firm to the bite), and drain them. Return the noodles to the pot and toss them with the sauce, ricotta or cottage cheese, mozzarella, and any vegetables or cooked meat (optional).
3. Spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish and top it with Parmesan cheese. Bake it, uncovered, for 20 minutes, or slightly longer for a firmer top.
4. (Meanwhile, prepare the salad, if you are serving it.) Serve it immediately, or refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months.