Baked Pasta with Zucchini and Mozzarella Recipe

Zucchini, black olives, tomatoes, and mozzarella are tossed with pasta and baked for a filling casserole.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3/4 pound pasta (fusilli, orecchiette or conchiglie)
• 5 small zucchini cut into 1/2-inch slices
• Salt and pepper
• 1 (28 ounces) can Italian plum tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 8 black olives, sliced
• 3 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1/2 pound Mozzarella cheese, cut in 1/2-inch cubes

Preparation:

Cook pasta in boiling salted water.

In a large frying pan, heat oil and saute zucchini until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to an oiled shallow casserole dish.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

When pasta is almost cooked, drain and add to zucchini. Add tomatoes, olives, Parmesan, rosemary, and 1/2 of the mozzarella. Sprinkle with a little more salt and pepper if desired and gently mix together.

Cover with the remaining mozzarella and bake until cheese is melted and the top slightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Yield: 4 to 6 servings