Hearty Pasta Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
• 1 (12 ounce) package fresh mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 shallots, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1-14 1/2 ounce canned stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated  parmesan cheese, cheese. divided

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400, lightly grease large casserole dish.

2. 2

   Cook penne pasta according to the package directions. Slice mushrooms and set aside.

3. 3

   Heat olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic; sautee for 2 minutes.

4. 4

   Add mushrooms and beef to the saucepan, cook until beef in browned. Stir in tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, basil & cream; simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. 5

   Add cooked pasta to saucepan, stir in 1/4 cup parmesan; mix well. Spoon pasta mixture into prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining parmesan over top. Cover; bake for about 15 minutes. Uncover; bake until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes longer.