Family Pleasing Pizza

A few years ago, I went to the Cheesecake Factory with my mom and sisters. We stopped in for what we were thinking would be a light lunch. As it usually happens, my mom and I both got the tomato basil pizza off the lunch menu. When it arrived, we were in awe of how HUGE the portion was, even though we ordered from the lunch menu. However, that pizza was so delicious we both almost finished it! After we left, my mom and I started on a quest to recreate this tasty pizza. As it happened, two months later, the Quick Cooking magazine published this recipe that I would say is comparable to the Cheesecake Factory original. I expand on this later, but you can easily change this recipe to suit your tastes. The best thing about this pizza is how fast it comes together, which makes it perfect for any busy night. Enjoy!!!

Ingredients
1/2 lb. bulk pork sausage
1 tube (13.8 oz) refrigerated pizza crust
2 tsp. butter, melted
2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 Cups (8 oz.) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 medium Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
2 tsp. Italian seasoning

Directions
In a large skillet, cooks sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, press pizza dough into a greased 13x9x2-in. baking dish. Brush with butter; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Layer with 1 cup mozzarella, sausage, and tomatoes. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Italian seasoning.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Yield: 6 servings

Recipe Notes
-There are so many ways that you can change up this pizza and still have a great main dish. For starters, you can swap the sausage for any other type of meat that you prefer. (Chicken is a great option.) Also, you could completely omit the meat and add some sauteed mushrooms and peppers in its place.

-If you prefer, you can use your own pizza dough recipe in place of the refrigerated dough. Time and temperature may have to be altered slightly, but use your own judgement.

-If you don't have any fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use a can of drained diced tomatoes and it will taste just as great. Also, now that it is in season, you could use tomatoes from your garden (if that is a possible avenue) and/or fresh herbs for another great addition.