Baked Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta
One serving is a 1.5 oz meat/ meat alternate,1/4 cup vegetable and 1 oz grain serving for a 3 - 5 year old at lunch/supper.
1 lb. cooked rotini or penne pasta
1 28 oz. can crushed tomato(es)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2-3 cloves of chopped garlic
1/2 cup basil
1 cup Parmesan cheese
2 (8 oz.) balls of fresh mozzarella cheese
Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain. In large bowl combine tomatoes, ricotta cheese, 1 tablespoon olive oil, crushed garlic, basil (cut into julienne strips) and Parmesan. Mix well and add drained pasta. Place the pasta mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Slice the fresh mozzarella and cover the pasta with the slices. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes or until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown. (The fresh mozzarella can also be cubed and combined with the pasta mixture instead of layered on top.)
Amy C, Providers Voice, Summer 2010