Low Fat Pesto Baked Ziti - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 lb spiral shaped pasta
1/2 red onion
3 -4 garlic cloves
2 cups crushed tomatoes
black pepper
1 bay leaf
1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups low-fat cheese
1/3 cup low-fat parmesan cheese
1/4 cup pesto sauce
cooking spray

Preparation

COOK pasta (your choice) in water for 10 minutes; will be partially cooked.
NOTE: You do NOT need to add salt or oil if watching fat content; just stir and DRAIN.
Finely dice red onion.
Spray pan with oil and cook onions 5 minutes until soft, ADD diced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
ADD crushed tomatoes, black pepper and bay leaf.
SIMMER 10 - 15 minutes until slightly thicker.
Spray 8 x 13 inch baking dish.
Place 1/2 pasta on bottom.
In small bowl, mix ricotta, pesto, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and half of the parmesan cheese.
Place mixture on top of pasta and 1/3 of tomatoe sauce mixture.
TOP with rest of pasta.
TOP with rest of sauce.
TOP with rest of mozzerella and parm cheese.
BAKE in 180 degree oven for about 35- 40 minutes covered.
NOTE: Adjust garlic to YOUR taste; I used 2 tablespoons.
NOTE: I also use the lowest fat cheese I can find.
NOTE: Pesto can be store bought; look at fat content on labels as can vary significantly.
NOTE: If you like your sauce slightly thicker, add 1 - 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
NOTE: Is a recipe that you might have to show control eating like me! 1 cup = my portion approximately.
ENJOY!
I served with rocket, tomato and feta cheese salad with balsamic vinegar.