Cheesy Ziti

I made this wonderfully simple, yet very tasty pasta dish last night for dinner. I have some Italian food lovers at my house and hoped this would not disappoint. It was definitely a winner and I will be making it again.

I also apologize for the partially devoured pan picture I have to share. I'm lucky I remembered to take one at all.



Cheesy Ziti

2 Jars spaghetti sauce (I used Barilla Marinara and liked the results)
1 pound Ziti or Penne pasta (I used Penne)
1 pound Hamburger (I used 8 ounces, but I typically cut the meat in half on most recipes I make)
16 ounces lowfat cottage cheese
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons dried parsley
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 teaspoon salt
8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook noodles, drain, set aside. In a small bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the egg, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Set aside.

In dutch oven brown hamburger, and drain. Add spaghetti sauce, and cooked pasta to the hamburger and mix well.

Spoon half of the mixture in a greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Spread the entire amount of the ricotta mixture over that, then top with the remaining pasta mixture. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 to 40 minutes or until bubbly.