Macaroni Italiano
Description
Crunchy California walnuts are the perfect addition to this hearty pasta dish.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (1, 16-ounce can) tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, low-sodium
- 1 cup (1, 8-ounce can) tomato sauce, low-sodium or unsalted
- 1 1/4 cups cottage cheese, low-fat, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1, 10-ounce package spinach, frozen, chopped, thawed, squeezed dry
- 1 1/2 cups peas, frozen, thawed
- 1 teaspoon basil, dried
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 cup California walnuts, chopped, toasted
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
PREPARATION
- Bring about 6 quarts of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt.
- Add the macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, or until done.
- While the macaroni is cooking, place the tomatoes and their juice into a large bowl.
- Add the baking soda, and with a fork or your fingers, break the tomatoes into small chunks.
- Stir in the tomato sauce.
- Add the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach, peas, basil and pepper and toss to combine; set aside.
- When the macaroni is done, drain well in a colander and rinse.
- Add to the cheese mixture, toss to mix thoroughly, then pour into an oiled 2 1/2 quart baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the casserole for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 minutes longer.
- Stir in the walnuts and sprinkle with parsley.
NUTRITION
- Calories: 366 cal
- Total Fat: 12 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
- Sodium: 449 mg
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Dietary Fiber: 7.5 g
- Protein: 19 g