Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (or vegetarian alternative)
  • 1 (16-ounce / 450g) package of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni, cooked according to package directions
  • 1 (24-ounce / 680g) jar of your favorite pizza sauce
  • 1 (15-ounce / 425g) container of ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Your favorite pizza toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, etc.), sliced or diced. About 1-2 cups total.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Set aside.
  3. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well.
  5. In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce. Then, layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the sausage (if using), and half of the mozzarella cheese and toppings.
  6. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture, sausage (if using), mozzarella cheese, and toppings.
  7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.