This vegetarian baked pasta dish is a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that is packed with classic Italian flavors. The tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, and herbs create a savory sauce while the egg whites and cottage cheese provide a creamy texture. The dish is topped with Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy flavor. It’s a great way to feed a crowd and can even be prepped ahead of time for a convenient weeknight meal. Serve this delicious dish with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients used:
For 8 people
- 1 tbsp - Olive oil
- 0.5 c - Onions, chopped
- 0.5 c - Bell peppers, chopped
- 1 pkg - Mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cloves - Garlic, crushed
- 1 can - Tomatoes, cut up
- 1 can - Tomato sauce
- 1 can - Tomato paste
- 2 tsps - Sugar
- 2 tsps - Basil
- 2 tsps - Oregano
- 2 tsps - Pizza seasoning
- 1.5 tsps - Salt
- 0.5 tsp - Black pepper
- 0.5 tsp - Parsley
- 1 box - Pasta, any shape
- 4 - Egg whites
- 1 package - Nonfat cottage cheese
- 0.5 cup - Parmesan cheese
Recipe steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic. Cook until tender.
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, sugar, basil, oregano, pizza seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
- Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
- In a different bowl, combine egg whites, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir in the pasta mixture.
- Pour pasta mixture into a 13 inch x 9 inch x 2 inch baking dish. Top with tomato mixture.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
This vegetarian baked pasta dish is a great way to enjoy a delicious homemade Italian-style dinner without all the fuss. With its savory tomato sauce and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Best of all, it can easily be made ahead of time for a convenient weeknight meal. Serve with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.