Italian Sausage Penne Casserole

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350° and spray a 3 quart casserole dish with a non stick spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Remove sausage from casing and add to large skillet.

Step 3: Crumble and cook over medium heat until done.

Step 4: Drain grease from sausage, reserving 2 tablespoons of grease. Set sausage aside.

Step 5: Spoon 2 tablespoons of grease back to pan, add chopped onions and garlic and saute until onions are translucent.

Step 6: Pour diced tomatoes into skillet with the onions and garlic.

Step 7: Add basil, oregano, salt and pepper.

Step 8: Cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat.

Step 9: Add Italian sausage back to skillet and bring to a boil.

Step 10: Cover and simmer on low for approximately 20 - 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 11: Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente.

Step 12: Drain, rinse and place pasta back in pan.

Step 13: Add sausage mixture to pan with pasta.

Step 14: Add 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese to the pan and stir well until melted.

Step 15: Place 1/2 of the meat and pasta mixture into prepared casserole dish, sprinkle with cheese, add the rest of the meat and pasta, top with remaining cheese, cover with foil bake until cheese is bubbly and heated through, approximately 30 minutes. Can remove foil and bake the cheese a bit more.

Step 16: Serve with salad and garlic bread.