Pin Recipe A hearty, comforting casserole featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce baked until golden and bubbling. This dish is the perfect centerpiece for a cozy family dinner and will warm you up on chilly evenings.
I first made this smoked sausage & cheddar pasta bake for a potluck, and it vanished within minutes. Everyone loved the bubbling, golden topping and the hearty mix of pasta and sausage. Now it's become a favorite weeknight dinner at our house.
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 & Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add smoked sausage and cook for 3 4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 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, about 3 4 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Seasonings:
- Lower heat and add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted. Mix in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 25 minutes, or until top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving, if desired.
Pin Recipe My kids love scooping big spoonfuls right from the bubbly casserole dish and always ask for seconds. It has become our go-to comfort food for Sunday suppers and rainy days alike.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Add baby spinach or frozen peas for some extra veggies, or swap in smoked turkey sausage for a lighter version. It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, saucepan, whisk, 2-liter baking dish, and mixing bowl are the essential tools for this recipe. Having everything ready makes prep smooth and easy.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 670 calories, 34 g fat, 56 g carbohydrates, 34 g protein. A filling casserole that's great for sharing with friends or family.
Pin Recipe Enjoy this smoked sausage & cheddar pasta bake hot from the oven for the ultimate comfort meal. Leftovers reheat beautifully for an easy lunch next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for this bake?
Penne or fusilli are ideal as they hold the sauce well and maintain texture after baking.
- → Can I substitute the smoked sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage makes a lighter alternative, keeping the smoky depth intact.
- → How do I achieve a creamy cheese sauce?
Cook butter and flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in milk before adding sharp cheddar and Parmesan for smoothness.
- → Can vegetables be added to this dish?
Adding spinach or peas boosts freshness and color without overpowering the flavors.
- → What is the best way to bake it evenly?
Use a greased baking dish and bake at 200°C (400°F) until the top turns golden and bubbling, about 20–25 minutes.