I was under the gun: dinner idea and shopping spree in under 10 minutes at Shaw's. (This was my last chance at shopping freedom before school pick-up). A personal challenge.Call to the co-executor while enroute: pasta entree, o.k.'d (this is always an important step in consideration of cooking).
Ruminated over Cabot recipe seen on internet earlier (Make-Ahead Stuffed Shells with Cabot White Cheddar Cheese). While on shopping spree I kept that inspiration alive and went with my own ingredients.
Makes 2 smaller casseroles or one 9 x 13" (cut up and freezer friendly).
12 lunch servings (serve with a side salad) or 8 if you're hungry.
cook 1/2 of 16 oz package of pasta of choice
3/4 jar Shaw's 'Culinary Circle' Three Forest Mushroom Pasta Sauce (you'll swear there's meat in it)
Bag of spinach (prewashed, baby-ish sized leaves), chopped
small .75 oz fresh basil, more finely chopped than spinach
Microwave spinach & basil in covered casserole, enough to cook, 3 minutes or so. Allow to cool and squeeze out excess moisture (there will be a lot) using a cheesecloth or trusty thin dish towel.
1/2 bar of cream cheese, 1/3 less fat
15 oz container part skim ricotta cheese, any excess liquid drained off
1 egg
Combine in a mixing bowl with a mixer, well. Add pepper, a dose of italian dried herbs and garlic powder. Add spinach-basil mix.
Grate 8 oz low fat mozzarella (Shaw's) and 4 oz Romano cheese (Stella)
Add half of each gratings to mixer and combine. Reserve appropriate remainder for topping.
Layer pasta sauce, pasta, cream mix, pasta sauce, pasta, cream mix, then top with cheese.
Bake in preheated 375º oven for 30 minutes. Turn up to 425º and cook 5 minutes longer. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before cutting and serving (yet allow additional 5 minutes to cool).
Make up salads (store salad bar comes in handy) to serve with Good Seasons Italian dressing.
Optionally, include pitted kalamata olives and parsley.
Very delicious- and an easy dinner for a couple other nights!
Microwave from frozen carefully, at half power then full, maybe even finishing in toaster oven.
