Smoked Sausage Cheddar Pasta (Printable Version)

Hearty bake combining smoky sausage, tender pasta, and creamy cheddar cheese with a golden crust.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz penne or fusilli pasta

→ Meats

02 - 9 oz smoked sausage (kielbasa), sliced into ½-inch rounds

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Cheese Sauce

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 - 1 2/3 cups whole milk
09 - 7 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
10 - 1.8 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Topping

14 - 1.8 oz cheddar cheese, grated
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
02 - Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown sausage slices for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, cook onion and bell pepper until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
05 - 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, about 3 to 4 minutes.
06 - Lower heat, stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Mix in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
07 - In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce thoroughly.
08 - Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese.
09 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
10 - Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley if desired before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Rich, smoky flavor with creamy cheese sauce
  • Easy one-dish meal with minimal prep
02 -
  • This recipe contains milk, wheat, and mustard allergens
  • Sausage may contain extra allergens check product labels
03 -
  • Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor
  • Let casserole rest after baking for better slicing and serving
Go Back