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Sausage & Pepper Penne Bake is a delightful dish that perfectly embodies the essence of comfort food. With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and satisfying textures, this recipe is designed to please the entire family. Whether you are preparing a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or hosting a lively gathering, this dish is a surefire way to impress your guests and fill their stomachs with warmth and satisfaction. The combination of spicy Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy cheese melds together beautifully, creating a baked pasta dish that is both comforting and indulgent.

Baked Sausage and Pepper Penne

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Sausage & Pepper Penne Bake recipe. Bursting with rich flavors, this hearty dish combines spicy Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this baked pasta is sure to impress. Easy to customize for various tastes, it’s not just a meal—it’s a way to create cherished memories in the kitchen. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction this dish brings!
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Ingredients
  

12 ounces penne pasta

1 pound Italian sausage (choose mild or spicy per your heat preference)

1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips

1 medium onion, sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with their juices

½ cup chicken broth (use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven and Cook Pasta: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot filled with salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Sausage: In a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casings and crumble it into the skillet. Cook the sausage, stirring frequently, until it is browned and completely cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a bowl and set it aside.

      Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet where you cooked the sausage, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Sauté these vegetables for approximately 5-6 minutes, or until they become tender. Then, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant.

        Bring Everything Together: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the diced tomatoes (including their juices), chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season this mixture generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld beautifully.

          Incorporate Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce and mixed evenly with the sausage and vegetables. Remove the skillet from heat.

            Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the surface of the pasta mixture, ensuring good coverage.

              Bake the Dish: Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, take the skillet out of the oven and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Scoop the deliciously cheesy and hearty Sausage & Pepper Penne Bake onto plates and enjoy!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: For an attractive table setting, serve the pasta bake directly from the skillet, or portion it into individual bowls and sprinkle additional fresh basil or a drizzle of olive oil over each serving to enhance both flavor and presentation.