Holidays Mean Company

With November upon us, can we finally start talking about the holidays? Look, anyone that knows me knows I am an early Christmas shopper, I wrap presents in October and look forward to the holiday season so, so much.

But honestly, to me, when I think about the "holidays" it starts November 1st and ends January 2nd. After Halloween has come and gone, I am 100% in Thanksgiving and Christmas mode. And while I am totally obsessed with all things Holly Jolly, I do make sure celebrate and enjoy each holiday for it's own.

That being said, let's talk Turkey Day. Okay, not really, but the time surrounding it. No, this isn't a post to inspire something new on your Thanksgiving table, but instead something you can make before and/or after the actual holiday, when you've still got those house guests to feed.

It never fails, every year I get messages from fans asking for simple meals to plan while that holiday company is hanging out for a few days. Let's face it, leftover turkey is only going to go so far. Plus, many times, the host/hostess still has to work while guests are filling up the house, and coming home to a hungry mob isn't very festive!

If this describes what you'll be dealing with in a few weeks, or even a few more weeks after that, how about a delicious pasta bake supper that will feed a crowd easily, and on budget? Plus, you could even prep this before leaving the house for work, or maybe Black Fridays shopping, pop it in the oven when you get home and have supper on the table in under an hour!

I adore the holiday season. The entire holiday season. And while some celebrate for weeks and weeks, and others can't wait for it to be over, the one thing we can all agree on is there is enough to stress about with the hustle and bustle of the season, dinner time shouldn't be on the list too!

Sausage Alfredo Pasta Bake

1 lb. rotini pasta

1 (26 oz.) jar marinara sauce

1 (16 oz.) jar Alfredo sauce

1 lb. pork sausage

1 TBS Italian seasoning

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper

2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese, divided use

Dried Parsley

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 baking dish. Cook pasta according to directions for al dente. In a large skillet brown sausage. Drain if necessary. Add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper, salt and pepper. Add marinara and Alfredo. Stir well. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup cheese and stir until melted. When pasta is cooked, drain well. Add to sauce mixture and stir. Transfer to baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese melted. Sprinkle with parsley. Allow to sit 5 minutes before serving.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Inspired by Big Bear's Wife