Italian Sausage Penne Pasta Bake

 Prepared with Gluten Free Penne Pasta, Ground Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, Peppers and Onions. Your favorite jar of sauce, diced canned tomatoes, spices and herbs. Can be prepared in sauce pot or slow cooker...

Italian Sausage Penne Pasta Bake

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 pound ground italian sausage, browned in skillet, drain fat if needed
  • 1 jar of your favorite red pasta sauce, 24 ounces
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, about 15 ounces
  • 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
  • 1/2 bag frozen peppers and onions, about 6-7 ounces
  • 2 teaspoons of each dried: Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 12 ounce penne pasta, cooked to package directions, (you can use regular or gluten free pasta)

DIRECTIONS

  • In a sauce pot combine all the ingredients, except the pasta and cheese, turn heat on medium, stir to mix everything together.
  • Allow to cook for about 30 minutes on medium heat stirring occasionally.
  • Turn heat down low and allow to cook and stir occasionally about another 30 minutes.
  • Or if you like cook in a slow cooker on high for about 3 hours.
  • Turn off heat, place pasta in a baking pan or casserole dish, about 13×9, slowly pour sauce over pasta and mix to cover pasta evenly. (I divide into 2 smaller baking dishes, serve one and freeze the other).
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly on top. Cover with lid or foil, place in preheated oven for about 20 minutes on 350°. 
  • Take out of oven, turn off oven. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Serves about 6. Enjoy!