6-Cheese Penne Pasta

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cook pasta according to directions on the package, with a splash of olive oil and salt. When it’s done, make sure to reserve a small amount of the pasta water to thin the sauce with later, if necessary. Then, drain pasta and set aside.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and brown/crumble until done; remove to a plate and cover to keep warm. Fry bacon in the same skillet until crispy; dice up bacon and add to sausage mixture. Reserve a small amount of the grease and dump the rest.

3. Saute diced tomatoes, garlic, and 3/4 cup (or more if you want) of basil using a small amount of the grease (about one tablespoon). Add sausage/bacon mixture back to the skillet. Stir to combine and add salt and pepper to taste. Cover to keep warm.

For the sauce:

4. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and then add heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.

5. Gradually, stir in all of the cheeses and reduce to low heat. Continue to stir until all of the cheeses are combined and add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Add sausage mixture to the sauce and stir to combine. Add pasta to sauce mixture and stir to combine. If the sauce is a little clumpy, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce, until it is the desired consistency. Then pour pasta into a large baking dish. Top with plenty of shredded parmesan cheese and more chopped basil.

7. Bake pasta in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Then broil on high and continue to cook pasta for 5-6 minutes until the top is golden brown and slighty crispy.

8. Serve and enjoy.