To all my friends that are vegetarian or like to have a vegetarian option a couple of nights a week. You have to try this recipe. Now don’t get too skeptical when I tell you it is meatless and doesn’t contain dairy. Trust me it is delicious, my husband didn’t realize it didn’t have ricotta cheese in it until I told him, and both my kids love this recipe.

Baked Ziti (or your favorite pasta) with Mushroom Sauce

2 Tb olive oil

2C chopped cremini mushrooms

1 -25 oz jar tomato sauce

1lb extra firm organic tofu, drained

1/3C chopped fresh basil

2Tb lemon juice

12oz Ziti

1/2C chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cook Ziti to just tender about 10 min. Warm sauce with mushrooms on stove until softened, about 10 min. In a blender, combine tofu, basil, lemon juice & olive oil. Process until the consistency resembles ricotta cheese.

Spread some tomato mixture over the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish. In a large bowl combine the drained pasta, tofu mixture and remaining tomato mixture. Add in parsley and fold gently to blend. Transfer to the baking dish and spread evenly. Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes, until heated through. Add a green salad to balance out your dinner. I hope you enjoy meatless Monday with this new recipe as much as my family does.