Pizza Pasta Casserole

This is one of those recipes born out of trying to duplicate a restaurant dish. One of the local pizza places has a deal where you can get a small container of pasta to go with your pizza. We actually ordered the Alfredo version (and have copied it with two jars of Alfredo sauce and a cut-up deli chicken), but the photo of the tomato version looked so good we made this one up, too! Here’s a simple recipe for Pizza Pasta Casserole:

Pizza Pasta Casserole

1 lb. package rotini noodles (corkscrew shape)

1 large can tomato sauce (not institutional-size)

1 large can tomato puree

Italian spices, garlic powder, basil, etc. to taste

1 tsp. brown sugar

1 lb. crumbled and browned sausage (or hamburger)

4 cups mozzarella cheese

Cook noodles according to package directions. Meanwhile, combine tomato sauce, tomato puree, spices, brown sugar and cooked sausage. Drain noodles and place in 13 x 9 casserole dish. Pour sauce over noodles and stir to coat. Sprinkle 2 cups mozzarella cheese over noodle mixture and stir lightly to combine. Top casserole with remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake at 375 degrees about 25 minutes, until cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Slice a loaf of French bread, butter the slices and pop it in the oven until the butter is melted and the crust is lightly crisp. Serve with salad and enjoy!