Baked Pasta Dish Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Pasta Dish

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Bell Pepper
• Mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Tomatoes
• 24 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Sugar
• Basil
• Oregano
• Pizza Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Black Pepper
• Parsley
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• Egg Whites
• Fat Free Cottage Cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Baked Pasta Dish

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in ground beef (or substitute with vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
5. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
7. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
10. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.