Pasta Bake with Sausage

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375F.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente (fully cooked but still firm), about 8-10 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3

Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large pot (or 4 qt. Dutch oven) for 2 minutes over medium-high heat until the hot oil sizzles. Add sausage and stir to cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break the sausages into small pieces.

Step 4

Add onions and garlic and sauté until soft and tender, about 2-3 minutes. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Pour in tomato sauce, turn the heat down to medium, and bring the meat sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Stir in Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, parsley and basil. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6

Turn the heat down to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering helps develop richer flavour in the sauce.

Step 7

Transfer the cooked and drained pasta into the sauce and toss well to mix evenly.

Step 8

Spread half of the pasta into a 9x13 casserole pan and top with half of mozzarella cheese (1.5 cups). Add the remaining pasta and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Step 9

Bake the pasta for 25 minutes until the melted cheese is golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes, then serve.