Ingredients

The following ingredients have 10 Servings
  • 1 lb mild Italian sausage (ground)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 jar marinara sauce ((26 oz))
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup yellow onion (minced)
  • 1 green bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
  • 8 oz sliced mushrooms
  • 1 can sliced black olives ((3.8 oz))
  • 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (chopped)
  • 16 oz farfalle pasta
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups half and half
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella (shredded (about 2 cups))
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 8 oz packaged mozzarella cheese (shredded)

Instruction

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add sausage and garlic. Break up the sausage using a fork or potato masher and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sausage is cooked.
  • Remove the sausage and garlic mixture with a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels to drain. Leave the drippings in the skillet.
  • Combine the sausage mixture with the marinara sauce and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
  • Add the onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in the sliced olives and pepperoni. Remove the skillet from the heat, and set aside.
  • Make the pasta according to the directions on the package for the al dente stage. Drain the pasta and place in a large bowl. Set aside.
  • To make the cheese sauce, add butter to a large saucepan or skillet over low heat. When the butter is melted, add flour and whisk until smooth. Cook, constantly whisking for 1 minute. Increase the heat to medium and gradually add in half-and-half, whisking constantly. Cook for 7-10 minutes or until the mixture is thick and bubbly.
  • Add the fresh mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and pepper and whisk until the cheese has melted.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to combine.
  • Add the pasta and cheese sauce to a 9x13 baking dish which has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Top with the sausage marinara mixture.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole and top with the onion, bell pepper, mushroom, olive and pepperoni mixture.
  • Bake the casserole for 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbly. Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.
  • Enjoy!