Baked Pasta with Sausage

Summary

• Source: AllRecipes
• Genre: Baked Pasta
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 10+

Ingredients

• 16-24 oz of Italian sausage, casings removed (can use hot or mild)
• 1 medium white onion, cook's preference on size of cut (I like large 1x1 inch chunks, most prefer smaller)
• 1 package sliced mushrooms, rinsed
• 2-4 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
• 1 tbsp fennel seeds (optional)
• 2 jars of spaghetti sauce, cook's preference
• 1-2 tbsp of dried oregano
• 1-2 tbsp of dried basil leaves
• 1 16-oz package of penne pasta
• 16-24 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp dried parsley (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F/160°C (verify with oven thermometer).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When drops of water sizzle upon contact, add the sausage. Cook until all traces of pink are gone from the meat. Drain excess grease from sausage and pan.
3. Return sausage to the skillet. Add onions, mushrooms, garlic, and fennel seed. Cook until onions just start to turn translucent.
4. Add tomato sauce, oregano and basil to skillet. Once sauce begins to simmer reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors mix.
5. While tomato sauce is simmering, cook pasta to al dente according to the directions on the package (usually 8-10 minutes).
6. Apply nonstick spray to a large baking dish (10x15 inches cuts it close).
7. When pasta is cooked, drain and rinse with hot water. Add cooked pasta to the baking dish. Cover pasta with tomato sauce, mixing well to distribute evenly. Top with all of the mozzarella cheese, then Parmesan and finally parsley.
8. Move baking dish to preheated oven, bake for 25-30 minutes until top is lightly browned and bubbly. Let stand five minutes before serving.