Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190 °C).

2. 2

   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the (8 oz) penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. 3

   In a large skillet over medium heat, add (1 lb) Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.

4. 4

   Add (1) diced onion and (2 cloves) minced garlic to the sausage in the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.

5. 5

   Stir in (1) diced bell pepper, (1 can / 15 oz) crushed tomatoes, (1 tsp) dried oregano, (1 tsp) dried basil, (1/2 tsp) red pepper flakes, (1/2 tsp) black pepper, and (1/2 tsp) salt. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

6. 6

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the sausage mixture. Stir in (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the (1 cup) grated Parmesan cheese until well mixed.

7. 7

   Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining (1 cup) mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese.

8. 8

   Drizzle (3 tbsp) olive oil over the top to enhance the flavor and help with browning.

9. 9

   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

10. 10

    Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.