inside-out manicotti

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 8 ounces dry ziti pasta

Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 40 mins Ready Time: 55 mins


• cook pasta according to package directions. drain. preheat the oven to 350 degrees f (175 degrees c).
• in a large saucepan, heat oil over moderately high heat. add onion and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until onion is translucent. stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and salt. bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
• in a medium bowl, blend together ricotta, mozzarella, egg, black pepper, and nutmeg.
• cover the bottom of a 2 1/2 quart baking dish with about 1 cup of the tomato sauce. layer with half of the ziti, half of the cheese mixture, 2 more cups of the tomato sauce, and remaining ziti. top with remaining cheese mixture and sauce.
• bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted.