Sausage Pasta Bake

I love when I throw a few random things together and something awesome turns out (doesn't happen very often). I had some frozen Italian Sausage, a can of crushed tomatoes and a zucchini so I began. Threw in some pasta and dinner was served. What made it so great was the sweetness of the zucchini combined with the spiciness of the sausage. Just top it with cheese and the whole family will eat it!

1/2 package of sweet Italian sausage

1 zucchini, sliced and halved (peel left on)
Extra-virgin olive oil

1 big can crushed tomatoes (the best you can afford)

1 small can diced tomatoes with Italian seasonings

1/2 can tomato paste with Italian seasonings

sprig of fresh basil, leaves pulled from stem and chopped

1 TBS brown sugar

salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano & dried Italian Seasoning

1 package ditali pasta (or any tube shaped pasta)

Shredded mozzarella

Fresh grated parmesan

Heat a medium sized skillet to medium heat. Add a glug of olive oil. Throw in the raw sausage and the sliced zucchini. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook until sausage is done and zucchini is soft. In the mean time, add tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, sugar and seasonings to a medium sauce pan and bring to simmer. Drain sausage on paper towel lined plate and then add to the sauce. Bring water to a boil for pasta and continue simmering the sauce until pasta is cooked. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x13 baking dish. Add pasta. Top with sauce and stir. Top with mozzarella and then parmesan. Bake for at least 30 minutes or until cheese is golden brown. (the browner the better in my opinion). Let sit for a bit before serving and then enjoy!