Cheesy Baked Penne with Savory Italian Sausage

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with this mouthwatering Baked Penne with Italian Sausage recipe. Savory Italian sausage is combined with al dente penne pasta and a rich tomato sauce, then baked to perfection with layers of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or potluck parties. Serve it piping hot and watch everyone dig in!

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until golden brown.
5. Add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
6. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked penne pasta and the sausage mixture. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

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