Baked Pasta

This is yet another recipe we had while mom was here.  I give this one 4 out of 5 stars.  None of us liked the spinach in it and I really feel like it wouldn't take anything away from the recipe to leave it out and serve a vegetable on the side.  Without the spinach it would be awesome and very different from other pasta recipes due to the use of turkey sausage.

1 T. Olive Oil

1 medium red onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, pressed

2 cans diced tomatoes

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 C. heavy cream

1 16 oz. pkg. Rigatoni

10 oz. frozen spinach, thawed and well drained (Optional)

12 oz. pkg. Jennie-O turkey sausage halved lengthwise and cut into bite sized slices

2 C. Mozzerella Cheese

1/4 C. Parmesan

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions.  Meanwhile, heat oil in skillet and cook onion until translucent.  Add garlic and cook, stirring for 1 minute longer.  Add tomatoes, oregano and basil and simmer for 10 minutes.  Add salt and pepper to sauce. Add spinach, sausage and half of the mozzarella cheese to the sauce then immediately toss with cooked pasta.  Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.  Top with remaining mozzarella and the parmesan cheese.  Bake 20 minutes or until cheese barely begins to brown.