Vegetarian Baked Ziti by JeskaD

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Yields: 4, with leftovers
== Description ==
Tasty vegetarian pasta treat, perfect on a cold night.
== Ingredients ==
*1 lb. whole wheat ziti
*1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese
*1-2 tablespoons olive oil
*1/2 cup low fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
*1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
*1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Sauce:
*2-3 cloves garlic, minced
*1 tsp of oregano
*1 small onion, chopped
*1 small green (or red) bell pepper, chopped
*1 large carrot, finely chopped
*1/4 tsp salt
*1 24-ounce jar vegetarian tomato sauce
== Directions ==
*Preheat oven to 375
*Coat 9"x12" pan with cooking spray (bottom and sides)
Cook the Pasta:
1. Cook the ziti according to directions; make sure it's not overdone, you want it a bit al dente.
2. Drain well and return to cooking pot.
Make the Sauce:
While pasta is cooking, make the sauce.
1. Sautee garlic, onion, peppers and carrots in skillet with 1-2 tsp olive oil until tender (onions should be translucent) - about 10 minutes.
2. Add oregano and salt, stir. Add jar of tomato sauce and allow to simmer for 5-8 minutes, stirring as needed.
Build It:
1. Spread about 1/3 of the sauce on the bottom of the casserole dish
2. Layer 1/2 of the pasta, followed by the ricotta cheese and 1/2 of the mozzerella and parmesan cheeses.
3. Spread 1/3 of the sauce and sprinkle with 1/2 of the mozzarella
4. Add a layer of the remaining pasta and cover with sauce
5. Finally, top with breadcrumbs and remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese
Cook It:
Bake covered for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Category:Main Dish Recipes
Category:Italian Recipes
Category:Family Favorites Recipes