Spaghetti Surprise

This "Spaghetti Surprise" is a comforting, vegetarian-friendly baked pasta dish that hides a savory layer of crumbled tofu and spiced tomatoes between layers of cheese-coated noodles. The combination of parmesan, mozzarella, and cottage cheese creates a rich, creamy texture without heavy cream. It's perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you need a hearty meal that feeds a crowd. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, resulting in a dish that is both familiar and unexpectedly satisfying.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 6

Calories: 557.2

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This "Spaghetti Surprise" is a comforting, vegetarian-friendly baked pasta dish that hides a savory layer of crumbled tofu and spiced tomatoes between layers of cheese-coated noodles. The combination of parmesan, mozzarella, and cottage cheese creates a rich, creamy texture without heavy cream. It's perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you need a hearty meal that feeds a crowd. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, resulting in a dish that is both familiar and unexpectedly satisfying.

Ingredients

Spaghetti
Soy oil
Parmesan cheese
Eggs, beaten
Firm silken tofu, crumbled
Chopped onion
Garlic, minced
Chopped green bell pepper
Spiced chopped tomatoes
Tomato paste
Dried oregano
Dried basil
Lowfat cottage cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8 1/2 x 11 1/2 inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray.
2
Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
3
In a large bowl, toss the drained spaghetti with soy oil, parmesan cheese, and beaten eggs until evenly coated.
4
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté crumbled tofu, chopped onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Drain any excess moisture from the tofu mixture. Stir in the spiced chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Cook for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
6
Spread half of the spaghetti mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
7
Spread the cottage cheese evenly over the first layer of spaghetti.
8
Spoon the tofu and tomato mixture evenly over the cottage cheese layer.
9
Top with the remaining spaghetti mixture.
10
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
11
Bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
12
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 557.2kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9.5g15%
Saturated Fat 3.2g16%
Cholesterol 11.7mg4%
Sodium 211.0mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 15.9g6%
Dietary Fiber 2.3g10%
Sugars 3.7g
Protein 7.6g16%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/spaghetti-surprise/