Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
2 cups pre-shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups shredded 5-cheese Italian cheese blend ( KRAFT makes this , should be found by the other shredded cheeses . )
6 slices havarti cheese ( may be found at the deli )
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 small onion
1 lb Italian sausage ( thawed )
1 tablespoon parsley
1 teaspoon garlic ( fresh or powder )
1 tablespoon olive oil ( more or less as needed )
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that's become a staple in many American households. This version of the dish adds slices of creamy havarti cheese to a blend of mozzarella and Italian cheese, as well as chunks of savory Italian sausage for a hearty, flavorful meal. The dish is easy to prepare and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2.Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
3.While the pasta is cooking, dice the onion and cook it with olive oil and Italian sausage in a skillet until the sausage is cooked through.
4.Add the spaghetti sauce, garlic, and parsley to the skillet and stir until well combined.
5.Layer half the cooked pasta into a baking dish, then top with slices of havarti cheese and one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6.Spoon half the sausage sauce on top of the cheeses, then repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheeses, and sauce.
7.Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

PROS

This hearty baked ziti dish is a comfort food classic that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers.

The blend of Italian cheeses and slices of melty havarti add tons of flavor and richness to the dish.

It’s an easy one-pot meal that’s ready in less than an hour!

CONS

This dish is relatively high in calories, fat, and sodium, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

If you’re watching your waistline, you may want to cut back on the cheese and sausage.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this dish is not the healthiest option, it does contain some beneficial nutrients.
The onions and garlic in the sausage sauce can help support immune function and reduce inflammation in the body.
The cheese provides calcium and protein, while the sausage adds some iron and B-vitamins to the dish.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.