Inside-Out Manicotti recipe

4 servings

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/3 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 pint part-skim ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese

1 egg

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

8 ounces dry ziti pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Drain.

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 moderately low.

Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.

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

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.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted.