Hidden Vegetable Baked Rotoni

I have to give credit to my sister Ellen for this recipe. She made it one night when she had us over for dinner and Sophie ate every bite and asked for more. That almost never happens!

And the best part is it has zucchini disguised in the dish. You know how toddlers are about eating their veggies, so this is a great way to get some greens in without them knowing! 

Ingredients:
8 oz. Rotini Pasta
3/4 lb. ground pork or chicken sausage
15 oz. ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
26 oz. jar spaghetti sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon slat
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 
2 small zucchini

Heat over to 350. Cook pasta according to package directions. Brown meat until thoroughly cooked and drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce with meat and simmer for 10 min. In a small bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese and seasonings; set aside. Shred the zucchini with a cheese grater; set aside. Toss hot pasta with meat sauce. Spoon half the meat / pasta mixture into  a 13 x 9 x 2" pan and spread cheese mixture on the top. Layer with the zucchini and remaining meat / pasta mixture. Sprinkle top with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 min. Remove foil and bake for 5 min more or until slightly brown.  

See the little green zucchini hiding in there? Your kids will never know!

Linking to these parties!