Baked Pasta

Source: BHG

Got to love Better Homes & Gardens - that checkered cookbook has everything! A highly recommended addition to your kitchen if you don't already have it and a great gift for newlyweds or new homeowners. This baked dish is a simple, hearty meal and freezes if you'd like to make ahead.

8 oz. dried pasta (recipes calls for cavatelli but I've used rotini, penne and gemelli in the past)
16 oz. italian sausage or ground beef (go for the sausage - the flavor is great!)
3/4 c. chopped onion (1 medium)
2 cloves minced garlic
1 26 oz. jar of your favorite pasta sauce
1 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
1/4 teas. black pepper
parsley

*tip to note - I keep frozen herbs on hand as well as shallots and garlic. It's great to stock up on refrigerated staples as they have great flavor and it cuts down on your trips to the market for fresh ingredients.

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Boil water and prepare pasta as directed on pkg. While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and combine the sausage, onion and garlic and cook until the sausage is browned and the onions are tender. Drain the meat and pasta.

2. Pour the drained pasta into a 2 quart casserole dish and add the meat. Spoon the pasta sauce, 1 c. cheese (combine parmesan & mozz, will have 2 cups) and the pepper into the dish and stir gently to combine.

3. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a 375 degree oven for 25 or 30 minutes until nearly heated through. Uncover and sprinkle with the remaining 1 c. of cheese and parsley as needed. Bake another 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy!!

**can also prepare as individual servings using 5 or 6, 8-10 oz. casserole dishes.