Penne Au Gratin

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°. Place a large pan over medium heat, then add the olive oil. Add the sausage and cook for 10 minutes, turning frequently. Remove the sausage from the pan, slice it into 1/2 inch sized pieces, then add it back to the pan. Cook the sausage for another 10 minutes until it is lightly crisped on both sides.

Step 2

Add the onion, mushrooms, and bell pepper to the pan and sautè for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to sautè for 2 more minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a roaring boil. Cook the penne pasta to al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it to the side.

Step 4

Combine the pasta, sausage and vegetable mixture, and vodka sauce in a large bowl. Toss to combine.

Step 5

In a large, oven safe dish, add half of the pasta mixture. Place dollops of ricotta cheese throughout the pan. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese, then layer again with pasta. Drop little dollops of ricotta on the top layer.

Step 6

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top layer, and cover with tin foil. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove from oven and serve. Mangia!