Baked Ziti

No-stick cooking spray (like Pam)

1 pound uncooked pasta, rigatoni or penne    

3/4 pound fat-free cottage cheese, smoothed in food processor  

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste

Crushed fennel seed, to taste (optional)

½ tsp. dried basil leaves

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided    

4 cups marinara sauce

½ pound shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

    

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Coat bottom and sides of a lasagna pan with cooking spray.

2. Cook pasta according to package directions; rinse with cool water and drain.

3. While pasta is cooking, in a medium bowl, combine blended cottage cheese, red pepper flakes, fennel, basil, 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, and 1/3 cup marinara sauce.

4. To assemble ziti, spoon ½ cup sauce on bottom of prepared pan; top with half of pasta in an even layer. Evenly spread pasta with cottage cheese and herb mixture; cover with half of remaining sauce. Top with remaining pasta and spoon remaining sauce over top; sprinkle with mozzarella and remaining tablespoon Parmesan.

5. Bake until cheese melts and is browned, about 20 to 30 minutes. Allow ziti to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing into 12 pieces.

6. Yields 1 piece per serving, each 
PointsPlus™ Value: 6