Save A hearty, comforting casserole featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling.
The first time I made this pasta bake, it quickly became a family favorite for its blend of comforting flavors and simple preparation. Each bite reminds me of cozy gatherings around the table on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or fusilli pasta
- Smoked sausage: 250 g (9 oz) sliced into 1/2-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 black pepper: to taste
- Cheddar cheese (for topping): 50 g (1.8 oz), grated
- Fresh parsley (optional): 2 tbsp, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- 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:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the smoked sausage and cook for 3 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Prepare cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened, 3 minutes. Lower heat and add cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until melted. Mix in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Assemble:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Finish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving if desired.
Save Sharing this casserole at a Sunday family dinner brought lots of smiles and second helpings—it's now one of our most requested dishes!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta bake with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal that feels special but is easy to pull together.
Make Ahead & Storage
You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunches throughout the week.
Nutrition & Dietary Notes
This dish has 670 calories, 34 g fat, 56 g carbs, and 34 g protein per serving. Not vegetarian; features pork and dairy ingredients. See ingredient notes for allergy advice.
Save Bake until the top is golden and bubbling for a perfect finish. Enjoy leftovers for delicious meals all week!
Recipe Help & FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or fusilli pasta are ideal as they hold the sauce well and provide good texture throughout the bake.
- → Can smoked turkey sausage be used as a substitute?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage offers a lighter alternative while still delivering a smoky flavor that's complementary.
- → How is the cheese sauce prepared?
Butter and flour are cooked into a roux, then milk is whisked in and thickened. Sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses melt in to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- → What enhances the flavor of the sauce?
Dijon mustard and smoked paprika add a subtle tang and smokiness, balancing the richness of the cheese.
- → Can additional vegetables be added?
Yes, stirring in spinach or peas before baking can increase the vegetable content and add freshness to the dish.