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Kittencal's Sausage Pepperoni Penne Casserole

Created by KittenCal on November 21, 2011

1 pound Italian sausage links (casings removed)
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups dry penne pasta (measure 3 cups before cooking, cooked only halfway, do not cook all the way the pasta will cook more in the oven — I use a scant 3/4 of a 1-pound package of penne)
1 can (4 1/2 ounce) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/4 pound pizza pepperoni (sliced, then sliced in half)
1/4 cup black olives, sliced (canned, drained)
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
SAUCE
Oil (as desired)

1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons dried oregano
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon crushed chili flakes (or adjust to taste)
2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce (Hunt's brand, do not substitute crushed tomatoes!)
1 teaspoon seasoned salt, or to taste (can use white salt)
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup half and half (can use more)

Step 1: Set oven rack to lowest position. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large skillet cook the Italian sausage meat with garlic powder until lightly browned (don’t break up the meat too much leave chunky pieces, I also add in a couple tablespoons of oil for quicker browning) transfer to a large bowl.
Step 3: Mix in the cooked pasta, mushrooms, black olives and chopped pepperoni; set aside.
Step 4: In a medium pot heat oil over medium-high heat (use enough oil to coat the bottom the pot. Add in onion, Italian seasoning and oregano; cook for about 4 minutes or until onion is softened. Add in garlic, chili flakes; cook for 2 minutes. Add in tomato sauce and salt; bring to a simmer stirring. Reduce heat to low and simmer stirring frequently for about 1 hour, seasoning sith black pepper and move salt if needed about halfway through cooking (the sauce must cook for at least 1 hour)
Step 5: Remove from heat; mix in the cream. Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta mixture; toss to combine. Transfer to baking dish.
Step 6: Cover and bake in a preheated 375 degree F oven for about 40 minutes. Remove from oven sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top; return to over and bake another 5-10 minutes or until hot an bubbly.