SAUSAGE STUFFED ZUCCHINI WITH PENNE PASTA

Steps:

• Prepare zucchini by scooping out the insides, leaving a 1/4 inch shell.
• If using round zucchini, cut a thin slice off the bottom so they won't roll and cut off the top 1/3 of zucchini, removing the stem and saving the remaining top.
• If using regular zucchini, trim the stem end and bottom end and cut in half, then scoop out the center.
• Dice the inside of the zucchinis (and top part from round zucchini if using them).
• Saute' onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until wilted but not browned, about 10 minutes.
• Add both peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini insides (and top) and saute' for about 10 minutes more.
• Remove sausage from its casings and brown over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, breaking the sausage into small pieces while it cooks.
• When it is done, I like to drain it in a colander and run hot water over it to remove as much grease as possible.
• Add sausage to saute'd vegetable mixture along with 2 T of the basil.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
• Stuff zucchini with about half of the vegetable/sausage mixture and place in prepared pan.
• Add tomato sauce to remaining vegetable/sausage mixture, along with the oregano and remaining basil and simmer over medium to low heat for 30 minutes.
• Top each zucchini with about 1/2 C of the sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and mozzarella.
• Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
• Prepare pasta according to package directions and drain.
• When zucchini are done, top with an additional sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, arrange on a plate with a portion of pasta and sauce and serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.