My version of zuppa toscana ( soup from olive garden)

This is another family favorite! Sausage, potato and kale soup.

Start with some chopped up bacon.. render the fat and add some spicy Italian sausage and brown. Take it out after it browns, drain and set aside.

Add some finely chopped onions and garlic to the pot. Cook them until the onion starts to sweat...cut up about 4-5 medium sized potatoes and add it to the pot. Add about 5-7 cups of water to the pot and scrape up the bits on the bottom of the pan.
ok so I never measure anything.. so it's hard for me to say exactly how much chicken buillion to add. Add about 2 tbls and check the saltiness of the soup.. If you need more add more.. remember you are going to add the sausage and bacon that will increase the salt level.

Bring the soup to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender. Reduce the heat.. and add about one and a half to two cup of heavy whipping cream and simmer. Add the sausage mixture as well as some cracked pepper.
Chop up some kale and add it to the soup, cook for about 5 mins and turn off the heat.
To spice it up a little I add a bit of chilie flakes. Serve with some crusty bread.

Penne casserole with sausage

Super easy recipe... I cheat and use canned pasta sauce..

Start with some minced garlic and onions.. sautee for a bit and add a can of your favorite pasta sauce. After it gets going for a bit I add about half a cup to one cup of heavy cream, check your seasoning... simmer.

At the same time the sauce is going, I cut up some spicy Italian sausage and fry it in a pan. Boil a packet of your favorite pasta.. I like to use penne. Add the sausage and the sauce and mix well.

Layer the pasta mixture and grated fonitna/gruyere/gouda or havarti in a casserole. You can use any kind of melty cheese. Top the casserole with a layer of cheese and bake in the over at 375 until golden brown.