16ouncesziti or other short pasta noodle like penne or mostaccioli
24 ouncesjar marinara or spaghetti sauceany brand, or homemade
14ouncespetite diced tomatoes undrained
8ouncescream cheesesoftened
2teaspoonItalian seasoning
1teaspoongarlic powder
½cupsour creamregular or low fat, ricotta or cottage cheese; use up to 1 cup
2cupsmozzarella cheeseshredded; more if you like it extra cheesy
Instructions
Heat oven to 375º F. Spray a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Cook pasta according to package instructions to al dente. Pasta should be firm to the bite, not soft. It will continue to soften when baked.
While pasta cooks, combine marinara sauce, undrained canned diced tomatoes, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a very large bowl. Stir until well combined. To soften cream cheese, cook unwrapped block in the microwave for about 45-60 seconds.
When pasta is cooked, drain then add it to the bowl with marinara sauce. Stir gently until pasta is well coated.
Pour half the pasta mixture into the prepared pan. Smooth the top. Spread the sour cream (or ricotta or cottage cheese) over the pasta. If ½ cup sour cream isn't enough, add up to one cup more. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Layer the remaining pasta mixture in the pan then sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is completely melted.
Notes
To make ahead: prepare recipe then cover with foil and store in refrigerator until ready to bake. Add about 30 minutes to baking time.Bake with foil if you don’t want any browning.Store leftovers covered, in refrigerator, for up to 4 days. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Never thaw at room temperature.Nutritional information is an estimate.Recipe adapted from Together as Family.