Sausage and Peppers Pasta Bake

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 12 oz Penne pasta
• 2 Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 Yellow onion
• 3 clove Garlic
• 28 oz Crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup Chicken broth
• 1½ cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• ½ tsp Red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove sausage from casings, crumble, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set sausage aside.
3. Add chopped bell peppers and onion to the same skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Return sausage to the skillet. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine. Top evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan, if desired.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with fresh basil, if using, and serve hot.