Quick Bake Penne with Sausage

My family loves pasta, even Joshua is starting to appreciate the noodle. We also love Turkey Italian Sausage, it is like the quick food go to in my house. Hum, Turkey Sausage Subs, Turkey Sausage Pizza, Some Turkey Sausage Vege-Noodle thing we made up (recipes coming) and now last night a Rachael Ray Recipe for Penne with Turkey Sausage. This another one of those recipes I pulled from one of my sisters cookbooks while we were in Atlanta last month, but darn if I can remember which one, I also couldn't find it on her website so, sorry, enjoy it here.

This recipe turned out to be a real quick cook and delicious as well. I was able to make it during the day, cover it, then pop it in the oven when we were ready to eat. I served it with crusty bread, a nice bottle of wine and an Italian style salad. Yum-o.

Baked Penne with Turkey Italian Sausage

1 pound Penne Pasta, cooked al dente
1 pound Italian Turkey Sausage, casings removed
1 Green Pepper, chopped
1 Small Onion, chopped
1 Clove Garlic, minced (*not in her recipe, but whatever)
Olive Oil
3 Cups Pasta Sauce (*I used Muir Glen - whatever flavor your family likes - we like them all)
1 1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for finishing
Fresh herbs, Basil and Italian Parsley
Red Wine - you know to help cook. I rinsed my pasta jar out with it - added flavor.

COOK pasta until al dente and drain.
SAUTE green pepper, onion and garlic in olive oil. ADD sausage and cook until done, crumbling as you go.
DRAIN sausage and add pasta sauce and pasta and fresh herbs if using.

TRANSFER to a 3 quart baking dish, cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees. Uncover and add cheeses, continue baking until cheese melts.

Cooks Notes: I like to use fresh herb when making pasta dishes, it adds so much. Also, I used two 8 inch baking dishes, I cooked one for our family and froze the other for a future meal - either for my family or to give away. I would just add a pack of mozzarella cheese, bread and a salad if I were giving it away.