Save A hearty, comforting casserole featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce baked until golden and bubbling. This dish brings together bold flavors for a family-style meal you'll crave again and again.
I remember making this pasta bake for a chilly weekend dinner. The kitchen filled with the scent of browning sausage and bubbling cheese. Everyone loved gathering around the table as the golden casserole came out of the oven.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or fusilli pasta
- Meats: 250 g (9 oz) smoked sausage (e.g. kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- Vegetables: 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped, 1 red bell pepper, diced, 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) whole milk, 200 g (7 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, grated, 50 g (1.8 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Topping: 50 g (1.8 oz) cheddar cheese, grated, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage:
- Heat skillet over medium. Add smoked sausage. Cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium. Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened, 3–4 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Seasoning:
- Lower heat, add cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until melted. Mix in mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine:
- In large bowl, mix pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce.
- Assemble & Top:
- Transfer to baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar.
- Bake:
- Bake 20–25 minutes until top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Save This recipe always makes me think of sharing comfort food with loved ones. The bubbling cheese and savory aroma create a warm gathering around the dinner table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a simple green salad and crisp white wine for a balanced meal. Fresh bread makes a great addition for soaking up the cheese sauce.
Ingredient Swaps
Try smoked turkey sausage for a lighter option or toss in baby spinach or peas for extra veggies. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Nutrition
Each serving contains about 670 calories, 34 g fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein. Nutritional values may vary by specific ingredients used.
Save This pasta bake is pure comfort and makes delicious leftovers. Enjoy every cheesy, smoky bite with friends or family.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausages like kielbasa provide a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the dish, but alternatives such as smoked turkey sausage can lighten the meal.
- → Can different pasta shapes be used?
Penne or fusilli are ideal as they hold the sauce well, but other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or elbow macaroni will also work nicely.
- → How can I make the cheese sauce thicker?
Ensure the butter and flour are cooked together before adding milk to create a smooth roux. Slowly whisking in the milk helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic are sautéed before mixing. You can also add baby spinach or frozen peas for extra color and nutrition.
- → What is the best way to achieve a golden topping?
Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese evenly on top before baking, then bake at 200°C (400°F) until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown, about 20–25 minutes.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the components and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.