1/2 pound mild Italian sausage casings removed
20 pepperoni slices halved
1 14 ounce jar pizza sauce
2 cups water
8 ounces uncooked penne rigate
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
10 pepperoni slices
Pinch of parsley and red pepper flakes optional
Recipe
Preheat oven to 350.
Heat a large oven safe skillet over medium heat.
Add sausage and cook breaking up pieces until sausage is cooked thoroughly, about 8 minutes.
Stir in halved pepperoni slices until heated through, about 2 minutes.
Add in pizza sauce, water, penne, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and stir together until combined.
Bring mixture to a boil.
Stir then cover.
Reduce to a simmer and cook for about 15 minutes until pasta is tender.
Turn off heat and stir in 1/2 cup cheese until blended.
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and then top with remaining whole slices of pepperoni.
Transfer skillet to oven and bake for about 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Carefully remove skillet from oven.
Sprinkle with some parsley and/or red pepper flakes before serving.