Save A hearty, comforting casserole featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling.
I first made this pasta bake for a weeknight dinner when the weather turned chilly. Everyone went back for seconds, and it quickly became one of our cozy favorites.
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
- Prep Oven and Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage:
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened, 3–4 minutes. Lower the heat, add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted. Mix in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Finish and Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving, if desired.
Save This pasta bake is always requested at family gatherings. Kids love the cheesy sauce and sausage, and it's simple enough to prepare together on a Sunday afternoon.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and chilled white wine for balance. A side of steamed broccoli is also a great choice.
Variations
Try adding a handful of baby spinach or frozen peas for extra vegetables. Smoked turkey sausage can substitute for a lighter version.
Allergen Information
Contains: milk (cheese, butter, milk), wheat (pasta, flour), mustard. Sausage ingredients may vary. Always check labels.
Save A comfort food classic that's easy enough for busy weeknights and perfect for sharing. Enjoy the rich flavors and golden cheesy topping!