Italian Ziti Bake

• 1 pound Ziti, Rigatoni or other medium pasta shape, uncooked
• 1 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 3 Cloves garlic, minced
• 1 28- oz. can crushed tomatoes in puree
• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 2 egg whites
• 1 15- oz. container part-skim ricotta cheese
• 2/3 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

1 Prepare pasta according to package directions
2 While pasta is cooking, warm the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
3 . Add the onion, zucchini and garlic.
4 Cover the pan and cook until the vegetables are very soft, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5 Preheat oven to 325-o F. Blend together the egg whites and ricotta cheese until smooth.
6 In a 3-quart casserole dish, layer the pasta, ricotta cheese and tomato mixture, ending with a layer of the tomato mixture.
7 Sprinkle the top with grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8 Bake until golden brown on top and bubbling, about 45 minutes.

Source: National Pasta Association