Protein Packed Creamy Baked Ziti
I didn’t forget! Here is another one of my favorite recipes. This is an excellent pre- and post-work out dish. I bet you thought you couldn’t get a pasta dish that doesn’t have meat in it that has protein.
Well, I discovered protein pasta that I use now instead of regular pasta. I use Barilla plus protein penne pasta. Not only does it pack 10 grams of protein per serving, but it also is non-gmo. It tastes amazing! I like to give my pasta some extra flavor so I made a variation on a recipe I had found.
Remember, protein is important in your diet because it helps to build and maintain muscle especially as we age. When your muscles are strong, you are less likely to have any bones break. Unfortunately, as we get older, we become more prone to bone breaks. So why not enjoy a healthy protein packed meal while keeping your skeletal system supported with a strong muscular system.Â
Enough of the lecture… On with the recipe!
Ingredients
· 4 cups Barilla plus protein penne pasta
· 1 24 ounce jar Marinara Sauce (I use Barilla Pasta Sauce)
· 14 ounce can of diced tomatoes
· 6 ounces of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
· 3/4 cup of light sour cream (I use Breakstone sour cream)
· 1 (8 ounce) package KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese with a TOUCH OF PHILADELPHIA
· 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
1. Heat oven to 375°F. Grease and flour two 8 or 9 inch round baking pans
2. Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, but don’t add the salt.
3. Remove from pan; drain.
4. Meanwhile, add marinara sauce, tomatoes and cream cheese to same pan; cook on medium heat 5 min. or until cream cheese is melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently.
5. Return pasta to pan; mix well.
6. Layer half the pasta mixture in 13×9-inch baking dish; cover with layers of sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella and remaining pasta mixture. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
*NOTE: If you don’t want to bake this in the oven, you can cover with wax paper and put it in the microwave for about 10 minutes.
I guarantee you will add this to your meal rotation!
