Sausage Pasta Bake for Cozy Family Dinners
Sausage Pasta Bake made approachable with clear cues, pantry staples, and flexible swaps.
Ingredients
- 300 g penne pasta
- 400 g Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 400 g canned diced tomatoes
- 200 g tomato passata
- 150 g mozzarella cheese shredded
- 50 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, canned tomatoes, tomato passata, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sausage mixture in the skillet, stirring to ensure everything is well incorporated.
- Transfer the pasta bake mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm.