Make Ahead Italian Sausage And Pasta Bake

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This wonderful hearty, make ahead casserole really hits the spot. full of flavor, easy to make (and freeze) for those hectic or lazy days ahead.

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Steps

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Cut sausage into 1 / 2 inch chunks.

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I large skillet , brown sausage over medium-high heat , in batches and adding oil if necessary.

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Transfer sausage to a bowl.

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Pour off any fat from pan.

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Add onions , garlic and red pepper , cook over medium heat , stirring occasionally , for about 5 minutes or until softened.

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Stir in pasta sauce , tomato sauce , basil , oregano and fennel seeds.

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Bring to a boil , stirring and scraping up any brown bits from bottom of pan.

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Return sausage and any accumulated juices to pan.

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Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until sausage is firm throughout.

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Meanwhile , in a large pot of boiling salted water , cook pasta for 6 minutes , add spinach.

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Cook for 1 minute.

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Drain well and return to pot.

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Add sausage mixture and provolone / mozzarella cheese.

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Stir to combine well.

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Transfer to 2 greased 8-inch square baking dishes or 1 13x9-inch dish.

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Sprinkle with asiago / parmesan cheese.

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Cover dish with greased foil , greased side down.

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To serve: bake , cover.

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Ingredients

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italian sausage, olive oil, onions, garlic cloves, sweet red pepper, pasta sauce, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, fennel seed, penne pasta, fresh spinach, provolone cheese, asiago cheese