Kids loved this (husband too). I didn’t mind it at all.
1 6 oz. can of Tomato Paste
1 1/2 cups of hot tap Water
1/3 cup of Olive Oil
2 small or 1 large Clove of Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of Salt
1/2 teaspoon of Black Pepper
1 tablespoon of Dried Oregano
1/2 tablespoon of Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon of Dried Rosemary, crushed
1 15 oz. can of Tomato Sauce
1 15 oz. can of Diced Tomatoes
1 pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
1 can of Sliced Mushrooms
1 can of Sliced Ripe Olives
1 -2 lb. of Sweet Italian Sausage, casings removed
1 lb. mix of Mozarella, Cheddar, Parmesan Cheese
1 lb. of Shell Pasta
Stir tomato paste into water in a medium size bowl until dissolved. Add next 12 ingredients and stir. Allow to stand for 30 minutes or so for flavors to combine. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Brown sausage over medium to high heat. You really want a good sear on the sausage. Start the pasta cooking according to directions. Pour tomato mixture over thoroughly cooked sausage and simmer until thickened (about 15 minutes). Drain the pasta and put into a large casserole dish. Pour the tomato mixture over pasta, toss and cover with cheese.
Bake until bubbly and cheese is melted.