Thursday, March 28, 2013

Loaded Baked Pasta

Sunday nights Chase really loves a big pasta dish for dinner.  I found my inspiration for this on Pinterest, then combined with a baked ziti recipe I have.  And this is what I came up with...

Loaded Baked Pasta

8 oz  sliced mushrooms
baby spinach, I did 2 big handfuls (or one pkg of frozen)
1  medium yellow onion
2   zucchini
1 lb  italian sausage
1 lb  pasta  (I used spinach penne)
2  garlic cloves, minced
marinara sauce (1jar)
1 c   mozzarella
1/2 c parmesan, or more : )

Cook pasta according to package.  In a small skillet saute the baby spinach with a little olive oil and salt.  Heat a glug of olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat.  Add the mushrooms, onions, and zucchini, cook until softened.  Add the italian sausage into the skillet and cook.  When the sausage is cooked all the way, add in the cooked spinach, marinara sauce, and cooked pasta.  In a 9x13 dish pour half your pasta, then a layer of mozzarella cheese.  Add the rest of your pasta and top with mozzarella and parmesan.  Cook for about 20 minutes at 425, or until the cheese is bubbly and yummy!

There are so many different variations of this you could try!   Add different seasonal veggies, different meats, or no meat at all, add some herbs (I forgot to buy some at the store that day)... Oh the possibilities!