SOUTHWEST PASTA BAKE

Southwest Pasta Bake

                     

         
Ingredients:
-8 oz uncooked penny or medium tube pasta
-1 package(8 oz) fat- free cream cheese, cubed
-1/2 cup fat- free milk
-1 package (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach,thawed and squeezed dry
-1 tsp dried oregano
-1 pound lean ground beef
-2 garlic cloves,minced
-1 jar(16 oz) picante sauce
-1 can( 6 oz) tomato paste
-2 tsp chilli powder
-1 tsp ground cumin
-1 cup(4 oz) shredded reduced- fat cheddar cheese
 -1 can(2-1/4 oz) sliced ripe olives,drained
-1/4 cup sliced green onions

Directions:
1) Cook pasta according to package directions.Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
2) Add milk,beat until smooth.Stir in spinach and oregano; set aside.
3) In a nonstick skillet,cook beef and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
4) Stir in the picante sauce,tomato sauce,tomato paste,chilli powder and cumin; bring to a boil.
5) Reduce heat; simmer,uncovered,for 5 mins.Drain pasta; stir into meat mixture.
6)In a 13- in. by 9- in.by 2- in.baking dish coated with nonstick cooking spray,layer half of the meat mixture and all of the spinach .Top with remaining meat mixture.
7) Cover and bake at 350 degree for 30 mins.Uncover; sprinkle with cheese.Bake 5 mins longer or until cheese is melted.Sprinkle with olives and onions.
8) Let stand for 10 mins Before serving.Yield:8 servings.
           ENJOY

Southwest Pasta Bake