Baked Sausage Penne

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350.

2. 2

   In a large pot of boiling, salted water; cook the pasta just to al dente. You don't want it mushy, as it will cook more in the oven.

3. 3

   While pasta is cooking, brown the italian sausage in a saute pan over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces.

4. 4

   Drain any accumulated grease and discard.

5. 5

   Add the marinara sauce, pesto, italian seasoning and chili flakes. Stir, and let simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 -6 minutes, until the sauce comes to a boil.

6. 6

   Taste, and add salt, pepper, or more italian seasoning as necessary.

7. 7

   Drain the cooked pasta, and place in a mixing bowl.

8. 8

   Add the sauce mixture and 3 ounces of the shredded cheese. Stir to combine.

9. 9

   Coat an 8 x 8 (or similar sized) baking dish with cooking spray.

10. 10

    Place pasta mixture in the baking dish, spreading to fill the dish evenly.

11. 11

    Top with the reaining cheeses.

12. 12

    You could make ahead to this point, and refrigerate until you are ready to cook, but if so, your baking time will be longer.

13. 13

    Bake, uncovered at 350 for 20 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.

14. 14

    Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.