Lent starts this week, and I was trying to think ahead to meat-free meals for this Wednesday and Friday. (Alas! No more Pizza Hut on Fridays with my coworkers!) The pasta bake below is the result of that focus on responsibility…

• Boil 12 ounces of bow tie noodles according to package directions. Drain.
• In medium bowl, whisk…
  • 12 ounces of cottage cheese
  • 3 eggs
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (Use the other half to clean your cutting board.)
• Add mix to hot pasta along with…
  • 1 small white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 bulb of garlic, crushed*
  • 2 cans of diced tomatoes with garlic and olive oil
  • 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese
• Combine well before stirring in one bunch of basil, chopped.
• Pour into greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and bake at 375 for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly.

Doesn’t tasting basil instantly have you thinking summer?! I wish the tomatoes and the basil were out of my garden instead of from the store! I did not miss the meat in this healthy and flavorful casserole, but you could add your favorite protein to please the eaters in your dining room. I still don’t know what I’m giving up for Lent, but at least my kitchen is prepared!

*Stir in onions and garlic first so the hot pasta can help soften them. Yay for avoiding precooking and extra dirty dishes!