Baked Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

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.)

Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size: 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.
Credit: Amy C, Providers Voice, Summer 2010