SAVORY ITALIAN RICE BAKE

1 (10.3 ounce) package RICE A RONI chicken flavor
1 pound Italian sausage
1/2 cup chopped onion
3 small zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 clove garlic, minced
2-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare Rice-A-Roni mix as package directs. Remove sausage from casing; crumble. In large skillet, brown sausage and onion; drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet. Set aside. Add zucchini and garlic; saute over medium-high heat 1 minute. Cover; continue cooking over low heat about 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Combine prepared rice, sausage mixture, 1-1/2 cups spaghetti sauce and basil; spread into a 13x 9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Top with zucchini. Top with remaining sauce; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until heated through. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

SERVES 8

VARIATION: Substitute ground beef for Italian sausage ..