Asparagus Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 container ricotta cheese , 15 ounce
• 1 jar tomato sauce , 28 ounce
• 2 cups finely shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
• 0.33 cups chopped fresh parsley
• 0.5 pounds asparagus , trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion , chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper , diced

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. 2

   Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook ziti at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.

3. 3

   Add ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, and parsley to drained pasta. Mix and set aside.

4. 4

   Chop trimmed asparagus into 1/4-inch slices, separating stems and tips.

5. 5

   Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute for 5 minutes. Stir in asparagus stems; cook for another 3 minutes. Add bell pepper and cook, 2 to 3 minutes. Add asparagus tips and cook, 2 to 3 minutes.

6. 6

   Spread 1 cup tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add 1/2 of the pasta mixture and smooth into an even layer. Sprinkle 1/2 of the vegetables on top. Top with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Add remaining pasta in an even layer, followed by remaining vegetables. Cover with remaining tomato sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.

7. 7

   Bake, uncovered, on the middle rack of the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Move to the top rack and continue to bake until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5 minutes more. Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.