Lighter Cheesy Pastitsio

• 8 ounces, weight Uncooked Whole Wheat Penne Pasta
• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef
• 1 Medium Onion, Chopped
• 5 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 3/4 teaspoons Salt
• 1/2 teaspoons Ground Black Pepper
• 2 cups Skim Milk
• 1 can (14.5 Oz. Size) Italian Style Diced Tomatoes, Diced
• 6 ounces, weight Reduced Fat Or Fat Free Cream Cheese
• 3/4 cups Shredded Part-skim Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon Dried Italian Seasonings

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook penne in a large pot according to package directions until pasta is almost done, but not quite, and drain.
3. Return to pot and set aside.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add beef to pan and brown, stirring to crumble.
6. Remove beef from pan and drain thoroughly.
7. While beef is draining, add chopped onion to skillet and saute about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Add garlic and saute for 1 more minute, stirring constantly.
9. Return beef to skillet and add salt, pepper, milk, tomatoes, and cream cheese.
10. Stir until smooth and bring to a simmer.
11. Cook 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
12. Add beef mixture to pasta and stir to combine.
13. Spread mixture into prepared baking dish.
14. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Italian seasonings.
15. Bake 5-10 minutes uncovered until cheese melts.

whole wheat penne pasta, ground beef, onion, garlic, salt, ground black pepper, milk, italian style diced tomatoes, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, italian seasonings

Taken from tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/lighter-cheesy-pastitsio/ (may not work)