Save A hearty, comforting casserole featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling.
This smoked sausage & cheddar pasta bake quickly became one of my family's go-tos for weeknight dinners. The golden topping and bubbly cheese sauce make it an instant comfort food classic.
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
- Preheat & prepare:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 2 liter (2 quart) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Sausage:
- In a skillet over medium, cook smoked sausage 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In same skillet add onion and bell pepper. Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened 3–4 minutes. Lower heat, add cheddar and Parmesan cheese stirring until melted. Mix in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Mix & combine:
- In a bowl combine cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Assemble & top:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake 20–25 minutes until top is golden and bubbling.
- Garnish & serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Save This dish reminds me of cozy weekends spent at my aunt's house. We'd gather around the dinner table, laughing and enjoying cheesy pasta together on chilly evenings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli. Chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the smoky sausage flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap smoked turkey sausage for a lighter option or use gluten free pasta to suit dietary needs. Add baby spinach or frozen peas for extra veggies.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm in the oven.
Save This classic bake delivers on flavor and comfort with every bite. Don't forget to let it rest before serving for perfectly creamy slices.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausages like kielbasa bring a smoky depth, but turkey sausage can be used for a lighter option. Ensure the sausage is sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Penne or fusilli are ideal as they hold the sauce well, but other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini can also be used.
- → How do I get a creamy cheese sauce?
Cook butter and flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Melt shredded cheddar and Parmesan into the warm sauce for smoothness.
- → Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, sautéed onions and red bell peppers add sweetness and texture. You can also stir in baby spinach or frozen peas for extra color and nutrition.
- → What is the best way to bake for optimal topping?
After combining all ingredients, top with extra grated cheddar and bake uncovered at 200°C (400°F) until the top is golden and bubbling, about 20-25 minutes.
- → How can I garnish the dish?
Fresh chopped parsley adds a bright herbal note and enhances presentation just before serving.