Step 1

Bring about 6 quarts of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon salt. Add the macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes, or until done.

Step 2

While the macaroni is cooking, place the tomatoes and their juices into a large bowl. Add the baking soda and with a fork or your fingers, break the tomatoes into small chunks. Stir in the tomato sauce. Add the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach, peas, basil, and pepper, and toss to combine; set aside. When the macaroni is done, drain well in a colander. Add to the cheese mixture, toss to mix thoroughly, then pour into an oiled 2 1/2-quart baking dish.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the casserole for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 minutes longer. Stir in the walnuts and sprinkle with parsley.

Step 4

This recipe yields 6 servings.

Step 5

Comments: This casserole may be assembled early in the morning or even the day before and baked just before serving. Enrich it, if you wish, with some cooked diced chicken or turkey, or ground beef.