Spinach and Pasta Bake

I got this idea from another blog. You can find it here:

sotastysoyummy.blogspot.com

Anyway, I made some changes to it to meet my dietary requirements.

It was really good, but I think missing something (besides the meat). I added a small amount of milk to my bowl and it helped make it creamier. I think I'll add some to the entire batch next time I make this.

16 oz cooked pasta (I used rotini)

10 oz chopped frozen spinach, thawed and drained

14.5 oz diced tomatoes

8 oz onion and chive cream cheese

1 tsp basil

1 tsp Italian seasonings

1 tsp crushed red pepper

salt/pepper

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided

2 or 3 cloves crushed garlic


After pasta is cooked and drained, mix with all ingredients (only use 1 cup of the cheese). When it is mixed well, top with remainding cheese. If you like, you can sprinkle a small amount of bread crumbs to the top.

As for pan size, you can use one large pan or two smaller pans and freeze one of them. Bake, covered, at 375 degrees. Uncover and cook a little bit longer (until cheese is melted and dish is a little bubbly).

YUM!

Spinach and Feta Pasta

1 (8 ounce) package penne pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 jar (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes

2 cups spinach leaves, packed (I just used frozen and it worked fine)

salt and pepper to taste

1 pinch red pepper flakes

feta cheese, crumbled

While boiling your pasta, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add onion and garlic, and cook until golden brown. Mix in tomatoes and spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 2 minutes more, until tomatoes are heated through and spinach is wilted.

Prepare your plate and top with feta cheese. You can use as little or as much as you want.

It was sooooooooo good!!!

Baked Mostaccioli

YUM!!! So tasty! I love this stuff!!

1 box (1lb.) mostaccioli

1 jar (26oz) spaghetti sauce

1 package (8oz) shredded Mozzarella cheese

Cook mostaccioli as directed on package. Warm up spaghetti sauce over warm heat. After pasta is cooked, combine with sauce. Mix it up well so the pasta is coated in sauce. In a large glass casserole dish (I use 13 X 9in) put a layer of pasta and cover with cheese. Then another layer of pasta and cover with cheese. Continue until all pasta is in the dish. Top with cheese. Cover with foil.

Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake for 10-15 minutes (just until the cheese is melted). I usually remove the foil after this and bake for a few more minutes (like 3 minutes).

Serve with some garlic toast and you are set! A perfect Lenten meal.