Ricotta Vegetable Rigatoni Bake

Got this is a recipe exchange from my cousin! This is sort of like a deconstructed white veggie lasagna.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 16  ounces rigatoni pasta
• 2  tablespoons butter
• 2  cups  sliced portabella mushrooms
• 3⁄4 lb  fresh asparagus spear, cut into 3 inch pieces
• 1 (14 ounce) can  quartered water-packed artichoke hearts, drained
• 2  teaspoons  minced fresh garlic, divided
• 2  cups low-fat ricotta cheese
• 1 1⁄4 cups  shredded cheese, divided (italian-style blend)
• 1⁄4 cup  chopped fresh basil
• 1⁄4 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 13x9 in baking pan. Cook rigatoni in a large pot of boiling water 8-10min. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook and stir until soft. Add asparagus, artichoke hearts and 1 tsp of garlic. Cook 2 minutes or until asparagus is crisp-tender. Remove skillet from heat and stir in cooked pasta. Pour into baking dish.
3. In a medium bowl combine ricotta, 1 cup of cheese, basil, milk and remaining garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread over pasta mixture and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
4. Bake 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden. Serve hot.