Ingredients
- 1 pound penne or your favorite pasta
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
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Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened.
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
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Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the sauce, and half of each type of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and let the Italian Pasta Bake rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
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Serve your Italian Pasta Bake hot.
Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of this comforting pasta bake, a perfect dish for cozy family dinners!
