Three Cheese Pasta Bake (no boiling the noodles beforehand)

2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce

1 can diced tomatoes

1 1/2 cups water

1 t oregano

1 t garlic powder

(OR 1 jar pasta sauce (26oz) and 1 1/2 cups water)

15 oz (2 cups) ricotta or cottage cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella, divided

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1 lb ground beef or sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional)

8 oz uncooked pasta like penne

1-Preheat oven to 400 degrees or get out crock pot.

2-Lightly grease 9x13 pan; or crock pot and set aside.

3-Combine sauce, water, ricotta or cottage cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, meat (if using that), Parmesan and uncooked pasta. Pour into 9x13 pan and cover with foil. Bake for 55 minutes.  or pour into crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

4-Remove foil and top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes, until cheese is slightly browned or sprinkle cheese on top of pasta on crock pot and as soon as the cheese melts it’s ready to serve.

I originally found this recipe at http://www.plainchicken.com/2010/10/no-boil-baked.html and adapted it to my liking.  

This recipe is so simple and fast to whip up and is delicious. Kind of like a lasagna that is really quick. You can also add chopped spinach, or broccoli or peas if you like. Yum!

I originally found this recipe at http://www.plainchicken.com/2010/10/no-boil-baked.html and adapted it to my liking. We love it and it's in our monthly meal rotation.