Savory Chicken and Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3.Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4.In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

5.Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

6.Pour in the crushed tomatoes and marinara sauce. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7.Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and mix well to create a creamy tomato sauce. Remove from heat.

8.In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked penne pasta with the creamy chicken and sausage tomato sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

9.Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

10.Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.

11.Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.

12.Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.