Sausage Pepper Pasta Bake Italian Hot Dish Done Right

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) penne pasta
• 4 quarts (4 liters) water
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 (28 ounce / 800g) can crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 ml) tomato paste
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 15 ounces (425g) ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese