Baked Penne with Sausage

1. 1
   prep

   Preheat the oven and prepare the ingredients.

   1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

   2.Bring 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot.

   3.Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and remove sausage casings.
2. 2
   boil · ~9 min

   Cook the penne until just al dente.

   1.Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.

   2.Add the penne and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package directs.

   3.Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the penne in a colander.

   TIPUndercooking the pasta slightly prevents mushiness after baking. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven and absorb flavor from the sauce.
3. 3
   saute · ~6 min

   Brown the sausage.

   1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   2.Add crumbled sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (5-6 minutes).

   3.Transfer the browned sausage to a plate with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
4. 4
   saute · ~15 min

   Build the tomato sauce base.

   1.Add the chopped onion to the same skillet and saute until softened (3-4 minutes).

   2.Add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking until fragrant (30 seconds).

   3.Pour in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

   4.Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. 5
   mix · ~2 min

   Combine the sausage, pasta, and sauce.

   1.Return the browned sausage to the skillet with the tomato sauce.

   2.Add the drained penne and chopped fresh basil, tossing to coat everything evenly.

   3.If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

   TIPThe starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to every piece of penne.
6. 6
   assemble · ~2 min

   Assemble the baked penne.

   1.Transfer the sauced pasta and sausage mixture into the baking dish.

   2.Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan evenly over the top.
7. 7
   bake · ~20 min

   Bake until golden and bubbly.

   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

   TIPFor an extra-crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn.
8. 8
   rest · ~5 min

   Rest briefly before serving.

   Remove from the oven and let the dish stand for 5 minutes. This allows the casserole to set slightly for easier serving.

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