Hawaiian Pizza Pasta

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 1/2 cups uncooked spiral pasta
  • 6 cups (24 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
  • 1 cup cubed fully cooked ham

Instructions

  1. In a large saucepan, saute the mushrooms, onion, pepper and garlic in oil for 5 minutes or until tender.
  2. Add the tomato sauce, bay leaves, oregano, basil and sugar. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently.
  3. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain.
  4. Discard bay leaves from sauce.
  5. Add pasta, 5 cups mozzarella cheese, pineapple and ham. Transfer to a greased shallow 3-quart baking dish.
  6. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
  7. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until heated through.

Yield: 12 servings