Inside-Out Manicotti

Think of this as manicotti unbound. Cooked ziti is layered with a creamy blend of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, enriched with egg and fragrant with nutmeg. A full-flavored tomato and basil sauce blankets the layers. Bake until bubbly and serve!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 644 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese
• ⅓ cup chopped onion
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces dry ziti pasta

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

In a large saucepan, heat oil over moderately high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until onion is translucent. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, blend together ricotta, mozzarella, egg, black pepper, and nutmeg.

Step 4

Cover the bottom of a 2 1/2 quart baking dish with about 1 cup of the tomato sauce. Layer with half of the ziti, half of the cheese mixture, 2 more cups of the tomato sauce, and remaining ziti. Top with remaining cheese mixture and sauce.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted.