Pasta and Sausage

We consider Pasta and Sausage the so-called "meat and potatoes" of an Italian kitchen. Lots of peppers, onions and zippy Italian sausage make this a hearty classic recipe that is perfectly at home on top of your favorite pasta.

Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian-style sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 medium-sized green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (14-1/2-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (4-ounce) can mushrooms, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 pound rotini, twist, or spiral pasta
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook sausage, onion, bell pepper, and garlic over medium heat until no pink remains in sausage, stirring to crumble the sausage. Reduce the heat to low and add tomatoes, mushrooms, Italian seasoning, and chili powder; simmer 10 minutes, or until heated through.
    
2. Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package directions; drain, rinse, and drain again. Place on a large serving platter.
    
3. Pour sauce over pasta and top with mozzarella cheese. Serve immediately.