Pizza Pasta Bake

It's General Conference weekend, and that means being spiritually fed AND physically fed with yummy food. Here's one dish we enjoyed between Saturday's sessions.

Pizza Pasta Bake
(based on One Pot Pizza Pasta Bake from damndelicious.net)
Serves 8

16 oz. mild Italian sausage (we used Tennessee Pride)
1 cup mini pepperoni, divided
1 quart tomatoes (blended), or tomato sauce
3 cups water
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. dried basil
1/2 tsp. granulated garlic
16 oz. rotini or penne pasta
salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp. dried parsley

Preheat oven to broil. In a large skillet or pot, brown sausage and separate into small crumbles. Drain excess fat. Stir in 1/2 cup pepperoni until heated through, about 1 minute.

Stir in blended tomatoes or tomato sauce, oregano, basil, garlic, pasta, and water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil; cover. Reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through.

Remove from heat. Pour mixture into glass 13x9 pan. Top with mozzarella cheese, remaining 1/2 cup pepperoni, and parsley. Place into oven and broil until cheese is melted and golden brown.

Serve immediately with tossed green salad and garlic toast.