Sunday, July 3, 2011

Baked Pasta with Sausage or Tofu, Tomatoes, and Cheese

I've been going through something of a pasta "phase" lately.  Perhaps it reflects my anticipation for my upcoming trip to Italy.  Or because many of the pasta recipes in my collection happen to be quick and easy.  Anyway, this is one I've made several times in the past and is always a huge hit, with the basil and the hot Italian sausage being the star flavors.  I love taking this to parties because it makes 8 servings, and always seems to fool others into thinking that I'm a great cook. ;)  I also love making it when I am lazy/busy and don't feel like cooking as much, for with 8 servings this can last me a long time, and it's a good thing it's so tasty that I don't get tired of it!  I have also varied the recipe a bit by substituting turkey sausage with tofu and lots of spices (see below for link to recipe) to create a vegetarian version, which turned out pretty good as well.

Baked Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cheese
Baked Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cheese

Baked Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cheese
Baked Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Cheese

And here's the tofu version:

Baked Pasta with Tofu, Tomatoes, and Cheese
Baked Pasta with Tofu, Tomatoes, and Cheese


Recipe courtesy of:
Cooking Light
Recipe for the original sausage version here
Recipe for the vegetarian tofu version here