Pasta al Forno

Pasta al Forno

For the sauce

2 teaspoons olive oil

2 pounds Italian sausage, casings removed

1/2 cup onion finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

24-ounce jarred marinara sauce

8 ounce can tomato sauce

For assembly

16 ounces rigatoni or other short pasta, cooked in salted water

2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded

2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

cooking spray

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9″x13″ pan with cooking spray.

For the sauce

1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Add the sausage to the pan.

2. Cook the sausage for 3-4 minutes, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Add the onion to the pan. Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until sausage is browned and cooked through and onion is softened.

3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the marinara sauce and tomato sauce to the pan and bring the sauce to a simmer.

4. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes or until just thickened

For assembly

1. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce.

2. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared pan and top with mozzarella.

3. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until pasta is bubbly and cheese is melted and browned.

4. Sprinkle with parsley. Let stand for 5 minutes, then serve.