Great Baked Penne Pasta W/ Italian Sausage

I created this dish one afternoon and was amazed how delicious it turned out. My family told me it was better than any pasta they have ever had at a restaurant and said I must make it again. I knew it was a keeper. Hope you enjoy as much as we did!

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 9-12

Ingredients

• 1  lb mild Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 26  ounces  tomato sauce with garlic, roasted (Ragu)
• 28  ounces diced tomatoes (drain liquid)
• 1  large tomatoes
• 2  garlic cloves
• 8  large mushrooms
• 4  celery ribs
• 1  zucchini
• 1  white onion (half if large onion)
• 1  tablespoon fresh parsley
• 1  tablespoon dried oregano
• 1  teaspoon  italian seasoning
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon pepper
• 1  teaspoon  garlic pepper seasoning (optional)
• 1  teaspoon  dried red chili, flaked
• 12  ounces dry penne pasta
• 2 -3  cups  shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

1. With casings removed break down sausage links into small pieces until fully cooked. (Remove from pan and set aside).
2. In large sauce pan add cut up celery, white onion, zucchini and cook for about 2 minutes until soft.
3. Add cut up mushrooms, tomato and 2 minced garlic cloves.
4. Add jar of tomato sauce, drained can of diced tomatoes, oregano, fresh parsley, pepper,salt, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes.
5. Simmer for approximately 1 hour.
6. Cook penne approximately 13 minutes or until cooked.
7. Spray oven 13x9-inch baking dish with Pam or oil.
8. Add pasta to sauce and pour into greased pan.
9. Cover pasta with cheese mixture (I used the whole bag) and then cover dish with foil making sure foil doesn't touch the cheese).
10. Bake for 10 minutes with foil then remove and broil until cheese stars to slightly brown.
11. Remove and let sit for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!