Mostaccioli-Spinach Bake Recipe

Mostaccioli is a tubular-shaped pasta. If you cannot find it in your grocery store, rigatoni would be a good substitute.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces uncooked mostaccioli
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-calorie stick margarine, divided
  • 1 cup vertically sliced onion
  • 2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups skim milk
  • 1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) preshredded Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
  • 1 (6-ounce) bag baby spinach
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons (1/2 ounce) preshredded Parmesan cheese
  • Parsley sprigs (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain; set aside.

Melt 1 tablespoon margarine in a medium heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add flour; cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk; cook 4 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese, Italian seasoning, and pepper; remove from heat.

Combine pasta, cheese sauce, 1 cup cheese, tomatoes, and spinach in a large bowl; stir well. Spoon mixture into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Combine breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons cheese, and remaining 1 tablespoon margarine; sprinkle over pasta mixture. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Garnish with parsley, if desired.