Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Zucchini, Sausage, and Feta Casserole


Thanks to Elizabeth’s edible, I made this for Chris last night and it was a HUGE hit! He didn't even mind the Zucchini! I Mean he didn't LOVE them, but he ate a few... i did make a few changes to the recipe, so it's most likely not as healthy as it was, but who cares! Chris is excited about leftovers! GO ME!

Modified from Cooking Light 2007

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups uncooked ziti (short tube-shaped pasta) ... i used a whole box
8 ounces chicken sausage... i just used lite polish sausage that comes in a horse shoe shape b/c it's always on sale at my g-store.
Cooking spray
1 teaspoon olive oil
5 cups thinly sliced zucchini (about 1 1/2 pounds)
2 cups vertically sliced onion (about 1)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt... i used normal salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (2 ounces) crumbled feta cheese ... i used 4 oz like Elizabeth recommended
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.... i think i used about 4oz of this too
about 1/4c of bread crumbs.

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°.

Cook pasta in boiling water 5 minutes, omitting salt and fat; drain.

Remove casings from sausage. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Add sausage to pan; cook until browned.

Remove from pan. Heat oil in pan. Add zucchini, onion, salt, pepper, and garlic.

Cook 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender and zucchini begins to brown, stirring occasionally.

Combine broth and flour in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Add broth mixture to pan; cook 1 minute.

Combine zucchini mixture, sausage,

pasta and feta cheese in a large bowl; toss well.

Spoon pasta mixture into an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella cheese. I also put two pieces of toasted wheat bread in the food processor to make bread crumbs and added them on top with the cheese for some extra texture.

Bake at 400° for 20 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.

This meal is amazing and easy meal!

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