Pasta & Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
4 ounces very small pasta shells
4 large red bell peppers
1 T. olive oil
3/4 C. thinly sliced scallions
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
3/4 C. evaporated skimmed milk
1/3 C. grated Parmesan cheese
2 T. grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese
2 T. dry sherry
1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions. Scoop pasta out with slotted spoon and drain in a colander; keep water at a boil. Trim tops from bell peppers and reserve. Discard seeds and ribs. Shave a thin slice off bottom of each pepper so it will stand upright. Add peppers and reserved tops to boiling water and parboil until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 C. liquid. Rinse under cold water, then invert peppers onto paper towels to drain completely. Meanwhile, in large nonstick skillet, warm 1 tsp. of oil over medium-high heat. Add scallions and cook until slightly softened, about 1 minute. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 2 tsp. oil and zucchini, and cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 4 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F. Stir evaporated milk into skillet and bring mixture to a boil. Add Parmesan, Gruyere, sherry, salt and black pepper, and stir to melt cheese; remove from heat. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Divide pasta mixture evenly among bell peppers and place upright in 8-inch square baking dish. Place tops on peppers and pour reserved pasta cooking liquid into dish. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 minutes, or until bubbly.
Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 260
Fat: 7.5g
Fiber: 2.9g