Baked Mostaccioli

Ingredients

8 ounces uncooked mostaccioli
1/2 pound ground turkey
1 small onion chopped
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes,undrained
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups fat-free cottage cheese
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, cook turkey and onion over meduim heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain if necessary.

Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, water, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

In a small bowl combine cottage cheese and marjoram, Set aside.

Spread 1/2 cup meat sauce into an 11x7 baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with half of the pasta, meat sauce and mozerella cheese. Top with cottage cheese mixture. Layer with remaining pasta, meat sauce and mozarella cheese. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese (dish will be full).

Bake uncovered at 350F for 30-40 minutes or until topping is bubbly and casserole is heated through.


Side Note: I make this dish using penne pasta because I can not find mostaccioli. Penne looks the same as the pasta in the picture in the cookbook so this is what I use. I also use extra lean ground beef instead of turkey because I am not that crazy about ground turkey. Alymers makes diced tomatoes in a variety of flavours. There is Italian style, fire roasted red pepper, spicy red pepper, garlic and basil and original. I have tried all of these flavours and they are all delicious in this recipe. The pasta and sauce can be made the night before or in the morning and then all you have to do is bake it in the oven for a quick dinner. Pair this dish with some fresh bread or garlic bread and a garden salad and you are all set for a delicious meal.