Macaroni Italiano

By California Walnuts
Total Time
55 Mins
Serves
6
Meal
Dinner

DESCRIPTION

Crunchy California walnuts are the perfect addition to this hearty pasta dish.

Prep Time
15 Mins
Cook Time
40 Mins
Total Time
55 Mins
Calories
366
Total Fat
12
Polyunsaturated Fat
7.5
Cholesterol
5
Sodium
449
Carbohydrates
48
Dietary Fiber
7.5
Protein
19

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

  1. Bring about 6 quarts of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt.
  2. Add the macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, or until done.
  3. While the macaroni is cooking, place the tomatoes and their juice into a large bowl.
  4. Add the baking soda, and with a fork or your fingers, break the tomatoes into small chunks.
  5. Stir in the tomato sauce.
  6. Add the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach, peas, basil and pepper and toss to combine; set aside.
  7. When the macaroni is done, drain well in a colander and rinse.
  8. 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.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the casserole for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 minutes longer.
  10. Stir in the walnuts and sprinkle with parsley.