Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage ( hot or sweet )
1/8 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon fennel seed
1 medium onion , chopped
1 garlic clove , minced
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1 red pepper , cut into 1 inch pieces
1 green pepper , cut into 1 inch pieces
1 stalk celery , coarsely chopped
1 jar tomato sauce
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/4 cup chopped basil
3 cups penne
1/2 cup of pasta cooking water
3/4 lb mozzarella cheese , cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Penne & Italian Sausage Bake is a classic pasta dish with Italian origins that is popular in many parts of the world. It's easy to prepare and is often served as a comforting meal in the colder months. The combination of Italian sausage, tomato sauce, and cheese gives this dish its rich and savory flavors that are hard to resist. It's perfect for those who want to indulge in cheesy goodness in every bite and prefer meaty pasta dishes over vegetarian ones. The addition of fresh vegetables in the recipe also provides a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Instructions

1.Cook penne according to package instructions and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
2.In a large pot, heat olive oil, fennel seed, onion, garlic, and cumin over medium heat.
3.Stir and add Italian sausage. Cook until brown.
4.Add in red and green pepper and celery, stir and cook for 8 minutes.
5.Pour in tomato sauce, red wine, and chopped basil. Cook for another 8 minutes.
6.Add in the cooked and drained penne into the tomato sauce pot. Add in reserved pasta cooking water, stir and mix all together.
7.Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and grease a baking dish.
8.Pour half of the penne mixture onto the baking dish. Add mozzarella cheese cubes and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese. Cover with the other half of the penne mixture and repeat the cheese toppings.
9.Bake for 20 - 25 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Sprinkle parsley on top right after removing from the oven.

PROS

This pasta dish is rich in meat and cheese, making it a protein-packed meal for hearty appetites.

It’s also a great option for a large family dinner or potluck.

CONS

The high fat content in the ingredients can make this dish a bit heavy for those seeking healthier alternatives.

The addition of wine in the recipe also makes it an unsuitable option for children or those who avoid alcohol.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While this dish may not be the healthiest option, it does contain certain nutrients that can aid in good health.
The combination of sausage and cheese provides ample amounts of protein and calcium, which helps in maintaining strong bones and muscles.
Tomato sauce is also rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of various types of cancer.

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