Ingredients

  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni (about 3 cups dried)
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 4 red bell peppers, stemmed and seeded, cut into thin strips
  • 2 medium yellow squash (about 1 pound), cut into thin strips
  • 2 medium Vidalia onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons dry mustard
  • 1 cup skim milk
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 16 ounces part- skim ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 slice white bread, broken into small pieces

Method

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Spray a 2 quart baking dish with vegetable cooking spray, set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just tender, about 8 minutes.
  • Drain, rinse under cold running water, and return to the pot.
  • Meanwhile, heat the wine in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the bell peppers, squash, onions, and garlic, and 2 teaspoons of salt, and cook until tender, 10 to 12 minutes, adding a little water if more liquid is needed.
  • Drain the vegetables in a large colander set over a bowl.
  • Add the vegetables to the pasta and set the juices from the vegetables aside.
  • Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add the flour and mustard and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Whisking constantly, slowly pour in the milk and the juices from the vegetables.
  • Add the thyme and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • Cook, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
  • Beat the ricotta until smooth and slowly beat in the white sauce.
  • Toss with the macaroni mixture.
  • Transfer to the 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle with Parmesan.
  • Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top and lightly spray them with the vegetable cooking spray.
  • Bake until top is golden brown, about 35 minutes.
  • Serve immediately.