Yesterday we helped Julie move into her new apartment. Then she joined us for dinner. I shouldn’t have, but I made a very decadent pasta dish, and we pigged out while watching The Princess Bride (for probably the tenth time). If you are craving a high-calorie, savory, down-home, soul-food kind of pasta dish. This is the one for you.
Sausage & Basil Baked Pasta
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz dry penne or ziti pasta (makes about 3 cups cooked)
- 1 lb fresh mild italian ground sausage
- 24 oz jar of tomato & basil sauce
- 2 eggs
- 15 oz carton of ricotta cheese
- 2 c shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 c shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 c fresh basil, chopped
Boil pasta per package directions, drain and set aside.
In medium saucepan, cook & crumble italian sausage. Drain off fat. Return skillet to heat and add onion & garlic to sausage. Saute until onion is soft. Add tomato sauce, heat through and set aside.
In large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, and half of the mozzarella. Fold in the cooked pasta to combine well with cheese mixture.
Into a 13×19 pan, add half of the pasta & cheese mixture, spread evenly. Add half the sausage & tomato sauce mixture. Layer again with remaining cheese and sauce.
Cover and bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes, until bubbly.
Remove cover, add remaining mozzarella cheese and place back in oven for 5-10 minutes, until cheese is melted.
Sprinkle with chopped basil and serve. Makes enough to feed an army.
Sheila365 