On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, a pasta casserole loaded with meat and cheese!

 

‘Tis the season for pot luck suppers and covered dish dinners. This is pasta dish is one of our favorites. Packed with Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms and cheese, it’s a close cousin to pizza but much heartier. Pizza Pasta holds heat very well and is perfect for traveling.  Add a green salad, crusty bread and a nice bottle of wine and you have a complete meal. Merry Christmas!

Pizza Pasta
1 pound penne pasta, cooked according to package directions
1 pound mild Italian sausage
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup chopped green pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
1 (26-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
1 (14-ounce) jar pizza sauce
1 (8-ounce) can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 (7-ounce) package sliced pepperoni (reserve 15 to 20 slices to put on top of casserole)
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Shredded mozzarella cheese
In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage with onions and peppers. Drain well, on paper towels. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine pasta, sausage mixture, garlic, spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, mushrooms, pepperoni slices, Parmesan cheese and oregano. Spread in a lightly greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and a few slices of pepperoni. Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted and pasta is warmed through, 30-40 minutes. Serves 10 to 12 people.

If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back tomorrow — and every day through December 25th. I’ll be posting NEW Christmas recipes each day. Merry Christmas!