Can I substitute the pork sausages?

Yes, turkey or chicken sausages work well for a leaner alternative without compromising flavor.

What type of pasta is best for baking?

Penne or fusilli hold sauce nicely and maintain texture well during baking.

Incorporate chopped bell peppers or spinach into the sauce before combining with pasta.

Yes, leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months without losing quality.

Dried Italian herbs or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme add depth and complement the sausage perfectly.

A hearty family-friendly pasta bake loaded with savory sausage melty cheese and a rich tomato sauce—perfect for feeding a crowd on a budget.

This pasta bake quickly became a favorite in our household often requested for weeknight dinners and gatherings alike.

Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) penne or fusilli pasta
Sausage: 500 g (1.1 lb) budget pork sausages (about 6) casings removed
Vegetables & Sauce: 1 medium onion finely chopped 2 cloves garlic minced 1 x 400 g (14 oz) can chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or mixed herbs) 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional) 1 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese: 200 g (2 cups) grated mozzarella cheese 80 g (3/4 cup) grated cheddar cheese
Garnish (optional): Fresh parsley chopped

Preheat Oven:: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Cook Pasta:: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook Sausage:: Meanwhile heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage meat and cook breaking it up with a spoon until browned (about 5 minutes).
Cook Vegetables:: Add the chopped onion and cook for 34 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
Make Sauce:: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Add dried herbs chili flakes (if using) salt and pepper. Simmer for 810 minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
Combine Mixture:: Combine the cooked pasta and sausage sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir in half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese.
Assemble Bake:: Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top.
Bake:: Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Cool and Garnish:: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

This dish always brings everyone to the table sharing stories and laughter after a long day.

Add chopped bell pepper or spinach for extra vegetables. Pairs well with a simple green salad.

Large pot Large skillet Mixing bowl Baking dish (approx 22 x 33 cm/9 x 13 in) Wooden spoon Chefs knife

Calories 565 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 53 g Protein 28 g

Enjoy this comforting pasta bake as a hearty meal for any occasion guaranteed to please the whole family.

→ Can I substitute the pork sausages?: Yes, turkey or chicken sausages work well for a leaner alternative without compromising flavor.
→ What type of pasta is best for baking?: Penne or fusilli hold sauce nicely and maintain texture well during baking.
→ How can I add more vegetables to this dish?: Incorporate chopped bell peppers or spinach into the sauce before combining with pasta.
→ Can this dish be prepared ahead and reheated?: Yes, leftovers refrigerate well for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months without losing quality.
→ What herbs enhance the tomato sauce?: Dried Italian herbs or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme add depth and complement the sausage perfectly.