Cook the pasta until fully cooked but still firm (al dente). About 8-10 minutes, or according to package directions.
In a large pot or skillet, heat the oil. Add the sausage and cook until brown, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Saute until soft and tender, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
Add the Italian Seasoning, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
Turn the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes to enrich the flavor.
Combine the cooked penne and sauce together.
This recipe is great to prepare as a freezer meal. At this point, you can use as much pasta as desired for your meal, then freeze leftovers (once cooled completely) in an airtight container or freezer safe bag (good for 3 months). When ready to cook from frozen, let thaw in the fridge. Then bake in the air fryer.
Lay down a piece of tinfoil in the air fryer basket, allowing some to come up on the sides. You want to fully cover the bottom of the basket so that the baked pasta is easy to remove.
Layer the pasta in the air fryer (you can add as much pasta as desired, but don't fill the basket more than halfway full) , then add mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese to taste.
Air fry at 350 °F for 5-6 minutes, or until cheese is melted to your liking and pasta is baked as desired.
Carefully remove the foil from the air fryer basket, and enjoy!
Notes
Notes:If you don’t like cooking with foil, use an air fryer safe dish like a silicone pot.