Sarasota's Lighter Baked Pasta Primavera

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 6 ounces zita pasta
• 1 cup broccoli, cut into bite size florets
• 1 cup cauliflower, cut into bite size florets
• 1 cup carrot, cut lengthwise and then cut in 1-inch pieces on an angle
• 8 ounces asparagus, cut on an angle in 1-inch pieces
• 1 zucchini, cut lengthwise and then sliced
• 1 yellow squash, cut lengthwise and then sliced
• 3/4 cup mixed mushrooms, thick sliced
• 1 small onion, cut in half and thin sliced
• 1 large tomato, thin sliced
• 26 ounces tomato sauce
• pasta water
• 4 ounces low fat mozzarella, shredded
• 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
• 3/4 cup low-fat ricotta cheese (low or reduced fat, no no fat)
• 1 -2 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons italian seasoning
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• salt
• pepper

Recipe

• 1 pasta -- cook pasta according to package directions. make sure to use plenty of salted water on medium heat in a large pot. four (4) minutes before the pasta is done (according to directions) add the broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots right in the pot with the pasta and cook 2 minutes. then to the same pot, add the mushrooms, squash (zucchini and yellow), asparagus and onions. cook another 2 minutes. drain well.
• 2 sauce -- as the pasta and vegetables are draining, add the tomato sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot and mix well and put back on the stove on medium low heat. add the pasta and vegetables back in a mix to combine. check for any additional seasoning if necessary (salt and pepper).
• 3 bake -- in a 13x9" pan, spray well with a non-stick spray. add the pasta and vegetables and spread out evenly. top with the ricotta and spread to cover the top of the dish. then top with the tomato slices, next is the mozzarella, and lastly, the parmesan. bake at 425 degrees on the middle shelf, uncovered for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
• 4 serve -- enjoy! a nice hearty casserole.