BAKED ZITI WITH SPINACH AND TOMATOES

Baked Ziti with Spinach and Tomatoes image

Provided by Lynnda Cloutier

Categories Pasta

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 oz hot italian sausage, casing removed
1 medium onion, chopped
3 large cloves garlic, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes, 28 oz
1/2 cup pesto sauce
salt and pepper to taste
vegetable oil
10 oz. ziti or penne
1 pkg. ready to use spinach leaves, 6 oz
8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

1. Warm large pan over medium high heat. Mix the sausage, onion and garlic in pan. Sauté for 1 minute or til sausage is cooked through, stirring to crumble; drain. Stir in undrained tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes or til sauce thickens slightly, stirring occasionally. Stir in the pesto. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Preheat oven to 375. Coat a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with small amount of oil Fill large pot with salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add ziti. Cook til al dente; drain. Mix ziti, spinach, mozzarella cheese, and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese in large bowl. Stir in tomato mixture. Remove to baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese over ziti mixture.
3. Bake for 30 minutes or until sauce bubbles and cheese melts. Makes 4 servings.