Italian Sausage and Pepper Bake

Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 sweet red pepper, sliced
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 (20 ounce) package frozen stuffed shells or manicotti
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook Italian sausage; drain. Slice into 1/2-inch pieces; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in large skillet, heat oil. Add onion and peppers; cook until tender, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, seasonings and cooked sausage. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Coat shallow 2 quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread half of sauce in bottom of dish. Arrange pasta in dish; cover with remaining sauce.
6. Cover with foil; bake at 400 degrees F for 40 minutes.
7. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.