I think of lasagna as a weeknight meal. That is until I have to make it. 😊 This recipe gives you the flavors of lasagna without the hassle of layering your ingredients. And, as a huge plus, especially for those of us living in an RV, it only requires one pot, no extra water for boiling noodles, and a pan to bake it in the oven.

Six generous servings when paired with a green salad and a glass or two of red wine. 🍷 Leftovers reheat well in the microwave.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbs Olive Oil
• 1 lb Italian Sausage, casings removed
• 3-5 Garlic Cloves, chopped
• 1 tsp Fennel Seeds, crushed with the back of a knife
• 1 tsp Oregano, dried
• 1 tsp Basil, dried
• pinch to 1 Tbs Crushed Red Pepper
• 42 ounces Canned Tomatoes, whole, diced, fire-roasted, or crushed (not sauce or paste)
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 2 tsp Kosher Salt
• 12 ounces Dried Pasta (penne, orecchiette, macaroni, etc.)
• 1 cup Water
• 8 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces Ricotta Cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
3. Add sausage to pan and cook, breaking up the meat with your spoon as it cooks.
4. When the sausage has finished browning, add the garlic and all of the dried spices (fennel, oregano, basil, and crushed pepper) to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes to bloom your spices being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Add the tomatoes to the pot breaking up any whole tomatoes that you may have used.
6. Add the bay leaves and stir in the salt.
7. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
8. Add the pasta and water and cook for a couple of minutes stirring frequently until well-combined.
9. Remove the pot from the heat.
10. Remove the bay leaves.
11. Fold in 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese.
12. Pour the contents of the pot into a 9 x 11 pan.
13. Add a scoop of ricotta cheese to the center of what will be a serving.
14. Top with remaining mozzarella and then top with parmesan cheese.
15. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
16. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
17. ENJOY!