Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Baked Ziti and Summer Veggies

Prep / Total : 40 minutes    Makes 4 servings      ( serving size: about 1-1/2 cups)

4                 ounces uncooked ziti
1                 tablespoon olive oil 
2                 cups chopped yellow squash
1                 cup chopped zucchini 
1/2              cup chopped onion 
2                 cups chopped tomato 
2                 garlic cloves, minced
1                 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
2                 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2                 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
3/4              teaspoon salt, divided
1/8              teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4              cup (2 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1                 large egg, lightly beaten 
                                **Cooking spray**

1.         Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain.
2.         Preheat oven to 400°.
3.         Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan. Add squash, zucchini, and onion; sauté 5 minutes. Add tomato and garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in pasta, 1/2 cup mozzarella, herbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper.
4.        Combine ricotta, remaining salt, and egg. Stir into pasta mixture. Spoon into an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until bubbly and browned.
TIP :
Add lots of color to baked ziti with summer veggies like squash, zucchini, and tomato.

Worthy of a special occasion

6 comments:

  1. The thought of putting the oven on makes me think for just one moment. But, when I see how delicious this looks Nee, I say go for it!

    Thank you so much for sharing...

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  2. It's worth turning the oven on .
    Going to try it on the grill in my iron skillet covered in foil ...let you know how it turns out .
    Welcome :-)

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  3. Now why didn't I think of that. What a great idea. Do "report" back Nee.

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  4. I will 'report' back . The idea just came out the blue when you said turning the oven on .

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  5. It's been awhile since I've done a baked ziti, and the last one was in a heavy tomato sauce. I really like all the veggies in this! Much lighter, and perfect for summer. Thanks for the idea!

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  6. This one is lighter and perfect ...I lovve vegetables . Matter of fact I'm going to do a week of vegetarian meals after the Picnic .
    Hope to give you more ideas . :)

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