Supercharged Whole Wheat Ziti

This veggie packed pasta provides loads of energy, so serve the night before a big sporting event!

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, mashed or minced

1 small red onion, chopped

1 10 oz. package of frozen spinach, thawed, and squeezed to remove water

1 jar chunky tomato sauce

2 cups low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded

1 16 oz. container of part-skim ricotta cheese

1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1 egg, slightly beaten

1 package whole wheat ziti

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

For the sauce

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil on a large skillet over medium heat, until it begins to sizzle. Add the garlic, sauté until it begins to brown very slightly.
2. Next, add the onion and turn the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently with a spatula, until onions become soft and transparent.
3. Next, add the thawed spinach to the mixture. Cover the skillet and cook until warmed throughout (about 5 minutes).
4. When spinach is warmed through, pour the jar of tomato sauce into the skillet, stirring frequently for 10 minutes until the sauce is thoroughly mixed and heated.

For the pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the pasta al dente style, according to the instructions on the box.
2. Drain and set aside.

Putting it all together

1. Add the pasta to the cheese mixture in the large bowl, and stir until the pasta is coated in the cheese mixture.
2. Next, spray a rectangular baking dish (13x9x2 inches) with non-stick cooking spray and put one layer of the pasta and cheese mixture on the bottom.
3. Add a layer of tomato sauce over the pasta and continue this pattern (ending with the tomato sauce on top).
4. Place the pan in the oven and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Cool for 10 minutes, then serve with a green salad!