OVER-THE-TOP BAKED ZITI

Over-the-Top Baked Ziti image

I adapted a ziti recipe to remove ingredients my kids did not like, such as ground beef, garlic and onions. The revised recipe was a success not only with my family but at potlucks, too. It's so versatile: You can use jarred sauce, double or triple the recipe, and even freeze it. —Kimberley Pitman, Smyrna, Delaware Field Editor

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

2 cans (29 ounces each) tomato puree
1 can (12 ounces) tomato paste
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons dried oregano
4 teaspoons sugar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
ZITI:
1 package (16 ounces) ziti
1 large egg, beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Additional minced fresh parsley, optional

Steps:

In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 10 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours., Cook ziti according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine the egg, ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper and 5 cups sauce. Drain ziti; stir into cheese mixture., Transfer to a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Pour remaining sauce over the top; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly. Garnish with additional parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 499 calories, Fat 10g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 826mg sodium, Carbohydrate 72g carbohydrate (16g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 29g protein.