Today: Baked Pasta -- Baked Seafood Pasta

Recipes on this page were developed or tested by CeCe Sullivan of The Times food staff and were evaluated by staff members.

Baked Seafood Pasta

6 servings

2 cups small seashell pasta

1 (6-ounce) can chopped clams

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 medium cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1 medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped

2 tablespoons flour

1/3 cup dry white wine (see note)

1 (16-ounce) can tomatoes

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/3 cup low-fat evaporated milk

1/4 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1/3 cup finely chopped fresh dill weed

1/2 cup finely chopped parsley

1/2 pound small cooked shrimp meat

1/2 pound cooked seafood sausage, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices (see note)

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan or Romano cheese

1. Bring a large pan of water to the boil, add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and put back into the pan.

2. Drain the clams, reserving the juice and clams separately.

3. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic and bell pepper; saute 5 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook 2 minutes. Add the reserved clam juice and wine; simmer 5 minutes.

4. Break up the tomatoes and add to the pan with their juices; add the crushed red pepper flakes and simmer 5 minutes. Stir a little of the hot mixture into the evaporated milk and put back into the pan. Season with salt and pepper; cook at a low simmer 5 minutes.

5. Pour the sauce over the pasta; add the chopped clams, dill, parsley, shrimp and seafood sausage. Stir well to coat. Transfer to a lightly oiled 9-by-13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the top with the grated cheese.

6. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 10 minutes.

Note: If unable to find seafood sausage, substitute 1/2 pound cooked salmon or crab meat, or another 1/2 pound cooked shrimp.

Data per serving Calories 299 Protein 23g Fat 5g Carbohydrates 39g Sodium 720mg Saturated fat 1g Monounsaturated fat 3g Polyunsaturated fat 1g Cholesterol 88mg