Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Kristin's Italian Sausage and Shells

So this dish is two recipes mixed together plus a few of my own ideas. Amazingly, it turned out fabulous and is now one of Joe's favorites! The zucchini makes it really good, so don't be tempted to skip it.

1 lb. hot Italian sausage (the kind that is packaged like ground beef, not the sausage links)
26 oz. jar Ragu Roasted Garlic pasta sauce
about 7 oz. shell pasta, medium size
1 medium zucchini, sliced, then halved
1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
1 sm. can tomato sauce
1/3 c. water
3/4 c. onion, chopped

Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, brown sausage and onion. Drain. Add pasta sauce, tomato sauce, water (rinse out Ragu jar with the 1/3 c. water and add), zucchini, 1 c. cheese, and cooked pasta to sausage. Stir well.
Spray 2 1/2 qt. casserole with cooking spray. Spoon pasta/sauce mixture into casserole. Bake, covered, at 375 for 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle 1/2 c. cheese on top, and bake 3 more minutes, uncovered.
Yummy!

2 comments:

Joe and Kristin Family said...

Yes, Kristin is correct, this dish is amazing and is now counted among my favorites.

All should try it at least once.

Melissa said...

You're so cute! And that looks delicious! :)
Question: Is sausage kinda expensive? Do you go somewhere where it costs less? Brandon and I are trying to save money, but that recipe looks like it would be fun to make, along with the sausage noodle skillet! :)