SAUSAGE & RICOTTA PASTA BAKE
Pair well with Bella Sera Sangiovese

1 lb. Italian sausage links, slice 1/2” thick
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 (14.5 oz.) cans diced tomatoes
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 (15 oz.) container ricotta cheese
6 cups farfalle pasta, cooked (about 12 oz. cooked)
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided

Cook sausage in hot oil over medium-high heat in a skillet until meat is no longer pink; drain well. Stir in undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, plus 3/4 cup water. Simmer 3 minutes.

Combine ricotta cheese, cooked pasta, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese; season to taste with salt and pepper.
Spoon half of pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish. Top with half of sauce. Repeat layers.

Cover and bake at 350 degrees F, 25 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Continue baking. Uncover, 5 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted.

Makes 6 servings