Save A hearty, comforting casserole featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling.
This pasta bake has become our go-to when we crave something cozy yet easy to put together. After a long day, nothing beats the smell of bubbling cheddar and smoked sausage wafting from the oven.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or fusilli pasta
- Smoked sausage: 250 g (9 oz), sliced into ½ inch rounds
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Whole milk: 400 ml (1 2/3 cups)
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 200 g (7 oz), grated
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1.8 oz), grated
- Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Cheddar cheese (for topping): 50 g (1.8 oz), grated
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and 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:
- In a large skillet on medium heat, cook smoked sausage for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- Add onion and bell pepper to the same skillet, sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Make cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add cheeses and seasoning:
- Lower heat, stir in cheddar and Parmesan to melt. Mix in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine and assemble:
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce well.
- Transfer and top:
- Put mixture in baking dish and top with cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake 20–25 minutes until top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and garnish:
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired before serving.
Save My kids always request seconds & sometimes sneak bites straight from the dish before it's on the table.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this bake with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to lighten up the meal. Crisp white wine or sparkling water makes a perfect accompaniment.
Ingredient Swaps
Substitute smoked turkey sausage for less fat. A handful of baby spinach or frozen peas is a great veggie boost in the mix.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Save This comforting bake is sure to become a favorite for busy weeknights or potlucks. Enjoy every cheesy, smoky bite!
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or fusilli pasta hold the sauce well and provide a nice texture when baked.
- → Can I substitute another type of sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage can be used for a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
- → How do I ensure the cheese sauce is smooth?
Whisk the flour into melted butter before gradually adding milk, stirring constantly until thickened and smooth.
- → Is it necessary to brown the sausage before baking?
Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor and a pleasant texture to the dish.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to this bake?
Absolutely, baby spinach or frozen peas are great options to boost the vegetable content.