A delightful baked pasta dish combining savory sausage, creamy pesto, and gooey cheese for a comforting meal.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain.
Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.
In a sauté pan, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
Use a wooden spoon to break the sausage into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Add the minced garlic and diced onion to the pan with the sausage and sauté until fragrant.
Cook until the onions are translucent for the best flavor.
Stir in the tomato sauce, pesto, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce mixture in a mixing bowl.
Ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
Spread the cheese evenly for a golden crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Check the pasta halfway through to ensure even baking.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Resting allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set.