Go Back
Cheesy Sausage and Pepper Pasta Bake
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • 9x13 baking dish

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Cook the penne in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
  • Add the sliced peppers, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Combine the cooked pasta with the sausage mixture in the skillet or a large bowl.
  • Transfer half the mixture to the baking dish and sprinkle with half the mozzarella and parmesan. Add the remaining mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned on top.

Notes

For a crispier top, broil the dish for the final 2 minutes. Leftovers reheat well in a 350°F oven to restore the texture better than a microwave. You can swap in turkey sausage if you prefer a lighter version, but keep the peppers fresh rather than frozen to avoid extra moisture.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Equipment: Large skillet, Large pot, 9x13 baking dish