BAKED ZITI with SAUSAGE and ARTICHOKES

BAKED ZITI with SAUSAGE and ARTICHOKES


1 lb. uncooked ziti
1 lb. mild Italian sausage, casing removed
2 cans (14-oz. ea.) quartered artichoke hearts, drained
1 jar (25 –28-oz.) spaghetti sauce
1 can (28-oz.) crushed tomatoes, undrained
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. pepper
4 cups (1 lb.) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside in a large bowl.

In a large skillet, sauté’ the sausage over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain the liquid from the cooked sausage and add it to the ziti along with the artichoke hearts, spaghetti sauce, crushed tomatoes, garlic powder, pepper, and 3 cups of the mozzarella cheese; mix well.

Pour into a 9-x-13-inch baking dish that has been coated with nonstick vegetable spray and sprinkle the remaining 1-cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1-1/2 or until heated through.

You can buy canned artichokes already quartered, or buy whole canned ones and cut them yourself.


Yield: 6 servings.