Baked Ziti with Italian Sausage and Peppers

This delicious, filling dish is sure to become a new favorite. The distinctive flavor of the Italian sausage combined with zesty tomato sauce and melted cheese guarantees a hearty party dish.

Serves 8  Prep Time 10 minutes  Cooking Time 40 minutes

400 grams penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
1 1/2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

For the sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil
cup chopped onions
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
cup chopped red bell pepper
cup chopped green bell pepper
400 grams Italian sausage, casing removed and crumbled
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 (400-gram) can crushed tomatoes
2 cups tomato sauce
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons liquid seasoning
salt, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper to taste
pepper flakes to taste (optional)

1  In a medium saucepan, heat oil and sauté the onions until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add bell peppers and let cook for another half a minute.

2  Add sausage and let cook until beginning to brown, about 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and mix well.

3  Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.

4  Season with liquid seasoning, salt, sugar, black pepper, and pepper flakes. Mix well and let cook for another minute.

5  Toss the cooked pasta with sauce, half of the grated mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese.  Transfer pasta to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

6  Bake until cheese has melted and lightly browned in a preheated 375ºF oven, about 20 minutes.

Photography by Kai Huang │ Food Preparation by Rachelle Santos │ Prop Styling by Cleone Baradas

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