Baked Ziti

This is the perfect week night meal. Baked ziti is one of our favorites and we finally made it the other night. It's quick and easy to put together. We like to throw in some spinach, but you could really add anything you like. This recipe makes enough for about six people, so we definitely had left overs for lunch and dinner the next day. 

Baked Ziti
Ingredients:

1 lb ziti
1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
1 tsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed1 tsp oregano
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
salt and fresh pepper to taste
8 oz fat-free ricotta
1/4 cup Parmesan
2 cups (8 oz) mozzarella, shredded
Cooking spray 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with oil spray.

In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta according to instructions until al dente.Drain and return to pot.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, add olive oil and sauté garlic. Add chopped spinach, salt pepper and chopped tomatoes. Season with basil, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt and pepper.

Add sauce to the pasta and combine the ziti. Add half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese and ricotta. Mix well then transfer to the baking pan.

Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until mozzarella is melted and the edges are lightly browned.