Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil , divided
12 ounces ziti pasta
1 small eggplant , cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 medium onion , chopped
3 cloves garlic , minced
1/2 cup red wine
1 can crushed plum tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives , chopped
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese , divided
salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Baked Ziti with Johnsonville Italian Sausage is a classic Italian-American dish, consisting of pasta, sausage, and a tomato-based sauce. This recipe adds eggplant, onion, garlic, and olives to the mix, which add flavor and nutrition to the dish. It is a hearty and comforting meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family. This recipe makes enough to feed a large group, making it perfect for dinner parties or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Instructions

1.Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2.Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3.Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant, onion, and garlic and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the vegetables are soft.
4.Add the red wine and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the liquid has reduced by half.
5.Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, olives, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Cook for another 5-7 minutes.
6.Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
7.Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
8.Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese over the top.
9.Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve hot.

PROS

This Baked Ziti with Johnsonville Italian Sausage recipe is an easy and delicious option for dinner.

The combination of eggplant, onion, garlic, and olives makes for a flavorful and hearty meal.

It can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for a quick and easy meal.

CONS

This recipe is not a low-calorie dish.
It is high in fat and carbohydrates.

It also contains meat, which may not be suitable for vegetarians or those looking to reduce their meat intake.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Although this dish is not particularly healthy, it does contain some beneficial ingredients.
Eggplant is a good source of fiber, potassium, and antioxidants.
Olives are high in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and contain antioxidant compounds.
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of some cancers.

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