About the Recipe
This is my easier alternative to lasagna, using bow-tie noodles (because they're my daughter's favorite). This recipe can also be split into individual baking dishes and customized to individual taste. My oldest son won't eat cheese, so I still make him an individual dish of pasta with meat sauce before I fill the large baking dish.
This can also be made in two 8" x 8" pans, so one can be frozen or gifted. To cook from frozen, preheat oven to 375°. Cover with aluminum foil, bake for ten minutes, then bake uncovered for an additional 20 - 25 minutes until top is browning and edges are bubbling.
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild, to taste)
1 box bow tie pasta
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
1/8 tsp crushed red pepper (or more, to taste)
2 jars spaghetti sauce
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°.
Step 2
In large, heavy bottomed pan, brown Italian sausage with crushed red pepper. Drain if required.In large, heavy bottomed pan, brown Italian sausage with crushed red pepper. Drain if required.
Step 3
Add spaghetti sauce, mix, and let simmer for a minute. Remove from heat and cover.
Step 4
Mix ricotta, parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic.
Step 5
Cook and drain pasta. Add to meat sauce and stir to combine.
Step 6
Spread half of pasta and meat sauce in 9" x 13" baking dish.
Step 7
Spread cheese mixture over pasta.
Step 8
Spread remaining pasta and sauce over cheese mixture.
Step 9
Sprinkle remaining mozzarella over top.
Step 10
Bake uncovered for approximately 25 - 30 minutes, until cheese on top is melted and begins to brown.