Baked Ziti

If your family loves spaghetti or lasagna, then this is for you.  It is easy to make and can be done before hand and put in the oven at dinner time.  Love those kind of recipes.

1 (14 1/2 oz) box fiber enriched or whole wheat Ziti or Penne
1 (15 oz) container fat-free ricotta cheese
2 large egg whites
8 oz (4 cups) finely shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
red pepper flakes to taste
3 1/2 cups low-fat, low-sodium marinara (there is a recipe on this site for one)
2 Tablespoons reduced-fat Parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Lightly mist a 9x13 pan with olive oil spray.  Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente.  Drain.  In a large mixing bowl, mix the ricotta, egg whites, and all but 1 cup of the mozzarella until well combined.  Add the garlic powder and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the cooked pasta until well combined.

Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared dish.  Add half of the pasta in an even layer over the sauce. Top the pasta evenly with another 1 cup sauce.  Layer the remaining pasta over the sauce.  Spoon the remaining 1 1/2 cups sauce evenly over the top of the pasta, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan over the top.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.  Remove the foil and bake 10 minutes longer, or until the mozzarella is melted.  Let stand 5 minutes.  Cut into 8 pieces and serve.

Makes 8 servings 350 calories, 22g protein, 57g carbs, 6g fat, 3g saturated, 20 mg cholesterol, 8g fiber, 429 mg sodium.  From the Biggest Loser Family Cookbook.

For me the calorie count is high so instead of bread sticks, make some roasted veggies or have fruit as a side dish.