I freaking love this recipe. It's time consuming and makes a big mess, but it's so hearty and delicious. One of my favorite comfort foods when I'm feeling like pasta.
Today I made it with some spinach and yellow squash, but you can always leave that out or steam it on the side.
Ingredients:
1/2 lb pasta of your choice - elbow, penne, rigatoni all work great
1/2 lb or 2 links Hot Italian Sausage, casings removed
1 onion, finely chopped
1 yellow squash, diced
1 or 1 1/2 jars pasta sauce of your choice. Plain marinera is great, or leave out the pesto
1 Tbsp. pesto (optional)
4 oz (approximately) fresh spinach, sliced
4 oz fresh mozzarella, diced
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Boil the pasta until al dente, rinse with cold water, and set aside. A little olive oil mixed through can help prevent sticking if it will be sitting for a little while.
3. While pasta cooks, saute the sausage and onion in a large nonstick pan or iron skillet over medium heat. Break up the sausage and cook until browned with no remaining pink spots.
4. Add the yellow squash to the pan and cook until softened.
5. Add the marinera sauce and mix well. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
6. Add the pesto and mix well.
7. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, mozzarella, cooked pasta, sausage marinera sauce, and most of the parmesan.
8. Prepare a large baking dish by coating it with olive oil, then pour everything into the pan. Sprinkle with additional parmesan to taste.
9. Bake 30 minutes or until mozzarella is bubbly.
