KICKIN' ZITI BAKE

Kickin' Ziti Bake image

This baked ziti dish gets its kick from a bit of cayenne-and its creamy, cheesy deliciousness from a blend of cheeses.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories Pasta

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

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Ingredients

1 lb. ziti pasta, uncooked
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup flour
1 can (14.5 oz.) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese, divided
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Italian* Five Cheese Blend
2 green onions, sliced

Steps:

Heat oven to 375ºF.
Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water.
Meanwhile, melt butter in medium saucepan on medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic; cook 3 min., stirring frequently. Add flour; mix well. Cook 1 min. or until bubbly, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in broth. Bring to boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2 min. or until thickened. Add cream cheese; stir until melted and mixture is blended. Remove from heat; add 1/4 cup Parmesan, pepper and reserved pasta water.
Combine cream cheese mixture and pasta in large bowl. Spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray. Top with remaining cheeses and green onions.
Bake 15 min. or until cheeses are melted and golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 380, Fat 15 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, TransFat 0.5 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Sodium 370 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 13 g