I don't think that is going to be happening now with this new variant of the Virus that is going about. Its been more than three months since we were all vaccinated and I think we need boosters now to feel and be safe. In any case I have one delicious casserole in the freezer for some future date!!
Not only is it really tasty, but its also very simple to make and doesn't use things that are ridiculously out of the ordinary. In fact, I consider this to pretty much be a store-cupboard recipe because, for the most part, it used store-cupboard ingredients!
I adapted the recipe from one in the book entitled, Seriously Simple by Diane Rossen Worthington. I have had several of Diane's books for years. My boss at the manor loved her recipes which is where I got turned onto them.
They are recipes that are delicious, simple to execute and that always turn out. Of course I had to leave my originals behind in the UK, so I am slowly replacing them one at a time. This was the first one I replaced. It was always my favorite of her books.
I am all for that style of cooking! It should be my mantra! I mean really. Yes, I am that lazy, but I still like to eat good food. Anything that makes that promise works well for me!
Simple ingredients put together in a simple and most delicious way.
For the Sauce:
- spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
- brown skinned cooking onions
- garlic cloves
- jarred marinara sauce
- basil pesto
- salt and black pepper to taste
You will also need:
- penne pasta
- mozzarella cheese, or smoked gouda (I used mozzarella)
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- baby spinach leaves
I also used a good refrigerated fresh basil pesto. It really does add a nice flavor to the sauce.
Spicy Italian sausage. Just use the best that you can buy. I used PC free-from Italian sausages. They are the best that is available here.
Also I remove the stems from my fresh baby spinach. I don't like them in cooked dishes, although I am find with them in salads. But you do as you like. If they don't bother you, then no need to remove them.
I am sure you could also use frozen whole leaf spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.
Very, very easy to make. You begin by making a lush and rich spicy tomato pasta sauce, using jarred marinara sauce.
Remove the sausage from the casings and crumble it into a large saucepan. Brown over medium high heat, breaking it up with a fork, until it is no longer pink inside.
You only need to cook the garlic for a minute before adding the marinara sauce (both jars.) Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.
At that point you can stir in the pesto and season the sauce to taste with salt and black pepper. I use fine sea salt and I grind my pepper fresh. Set aside.
Cook your pasta according to the package directions, just to al dente. The time will vary according to the brand of pasta you use. Drain it very well when done and then return it to the saucepan.
Pour or spoon into your buttered baking dish and sprinkle with the remainder of the Parmesan cheese, scattering it evenly over top. Bake in the preheated oven for half an hour, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is turning a golden brown.
And that's it, the casserole is done and ready to serve! And let me tell you, this is incredibly delicious! It makes for a fabulous party dish as well as being a great dish to take to pot luck suppers.
Very family friendly, all you need on the side is perhaps a salad and some crusty bread Its a great one-dish meal for the holidays and larger family gatherings!
I will be disappointed if my son and his family can't come over for Christmas, but at the end of the day I just want everyone to be and feel safe. It is probably more prudent to wait until we have all had boosters and things with the virus have calmed down a bit, rather than put everyone to risk.
I just hope he understands. I would never want to hurt his feelings or for him to think I don't want him here because nothing is further from the truth. We have been 9 years without seeing each other, I guess a few more weeks won't hurt. Sigh . . .
We will just have to do a big family face time on Christmas day.
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