Recipe(tried): Baked Pasta Shell Topped with Italian Sausage, Onions and Olives

BAKED PASTA SHELL TOPPED WITH
ITALIAN SAUSAGE, ONIONS AND OLIVES

1 lb hot and/or sweet Italian sausages
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 large red onions, coarsely chopped
1 bunch scallions, sliced
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup imported pitted black olives
4 tablespoons chopped fresh sage (or 4 tsp. dried), divided use
1 lb penne pasta, uncoooked
3 eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

In skillet, place sausages and 1/4 cup water. Bring to simmer over medium heat; cover and cook 10 minutes. Uncover; discard liquid and cook 15 minutes, turning until cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Heat butter in same skillet over medium heat; add red onions and cook, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes. Add scallions, vinegar, olives and 2 tablespoons sage; cook 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare pasta as package directions; drain. Cool slightly and toss with eggs, cheese, remaining 2 tablespoons sage, half-and-half and pepper. Place in greased 2-quart casserole.

Bake 15-20 minutes until pasta shell is set and lightly browned. Slice sausages; add to onions and season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon into pasta shell.

Makes 6 servings