# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 lb penne or fusilli pasta
→ Sausage
02 - 1.1 lb pork sausages, casings removed
→ Vegetables & Sauce
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 14 oz can chopped tomatoes
06 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
07 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
08 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Cheese
11 - 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
12 - 3/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
→ Garnish (optional)
13 - Fresh parsley, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage meat, breaking it up, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
04 - Add chopped onion to skillet and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
05 - Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
06 - Mix cooked pasta and sausage sauce in a large bowl. Stir in half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
07 - Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Evenly sprinkle remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top.
08 - Bake uncovered at 400°F for 20 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbly.
09 - Allow to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
