Ziti Baked With Spinach, Tomatoes and Smoked Gouda

taken from 'The Charlotte Observer' May 14, 2007

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 10  ounces ziti pasta
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1  medium yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 4  minced garlic cloves
• 2 (14 1/2ounce) cans diced tomatoes with basil oregano and garlic, undrained
• 6  cups  baby spinach leaves
• 1 1⁄4 cups  shredded smoked gouda cheese, divided (about 5 ounces)

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to directions; drain. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Heat oil in a dutch oven on medium-high heat until hot. Add onion and pepper; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in garlic; cook 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes; bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Add spinach; cook 30 seconds or until spinach wilts, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add pasta and 3/4 cup cheese to tomato mixture, tossing well to combine.
2. Spoon pasta mixture into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle evenly with remaining cheese. Bake 15 minutes or until cheese melts and begins to brown.