Baked Ziti with New York Style Sausage

By NicoleP

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp crushed garlic
• 1 tbsp finely chopped shallot
• 3/4 lb sausage
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups diced eggplant
• 1 1/2 cups diced brown mushrooms
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 of 8 oz container part-skim ricotta cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded mild provolone cheese
• 1 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes in puree (or your favorite pasta sauce)
• 8 oz ziti or penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
• 1/4 grated romano or parmesean cheese
• 1/2 cup shreded smoked provolone cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°.

In a preheated, nonstick skillet over medium heat, saute olive oil, garlic, shallots and sausage for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly brown.

Add salt, pepper, eggplant and mushrooms, saute for another 1-2 minutes.

Turn heat up to high, add wine and stir until evaporated. Add chicken stock and cook until slightly reduced. Return heat to medium and simmer for 1-2 more minutes.

Gently fold in basil, ricotta, mild provolone and tomatoes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Fold in cooked pasta and romano or parmesean cheese.

Transfer to a casserole and top with smoked provolone. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until heated through.