Ziti Baked With Spinach, Tomatoes, and Smoked Gouda

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

• Ready In: 30 mins
• 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 cups  shredded smoked gouda cheese or 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.