Save to Pinterest A hearty, comforting casserole featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling.
This recipe quickly became my go-to for chilly nights or when I need a fuss-free but satisfying dinner. The bubbling cheese and smoky aroma always remind me of cozy family gatherings, and it's a dish my kids request often.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or fusilli pasta
- Smoked sausage: 250 g (9 oz) smoked sausage (e.g. kielbasa), 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 black pepper: to taste
- Cheddar cheese (for topping): 50 g (1.8 oz), grated
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish.
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the sausage:
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Make the cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened, 3–4 minutes.
- Add cheese and seasoning:
- Lower the heat, add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted. Mix in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine and assemble:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer to baking dish:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving, if desired.
Save to Pinterest This pasta bake is a hit at our family table, especially on weekends when we all want something hearty and homey. My kids delight in scooping out extra cheese from the corners, and even picky eaters ask for seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A glass of crisp white wine pairs particularly nicely with the smoky and cheesy flavors.
Variations
Add a handful of baby spinach or frozen peas for extra veggies, or swap in smoked turkey sausage for a lighter twist. You can also use different cheeses to change up the flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a low oven until heated through.
Save to Pinterest This sausage & cheddar pasta bake is perfect for cozy nights or easy entertaining. Enjoy every cheesy, smoky bite.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage like kielbasa provides a rich, smoky flavor that complements the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Penne or fusilli hold the sauce well, but feel free to substitute with your preferred pasta shape.
- → How can I add more vegetables?
Incorporate baby spinach or frozen peas for extra color and nutrition without altering the dish's character.
- → Is it possible to lighten this dish?
Swap smoked sausage for smoked turkey sausage for a lighter protein option while maintaining flavor.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
This bake pairs nicely with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a balanced meal.