Pin It A hearty, comforting casserole featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce baked until golden and bubbling. Perfect for a satisfying family meal any night of the week.
I first made this dish on a chilly Sunday, and it quickly became my go-to for potlucks and cozy evenings in. Everyone always asks for the recipe, and I love how simple it is to customize with whatever ingredients I have on hand.
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
- Butter: 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Milk: 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) whole milk
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 200 g (7 oz) grated, plus 50 g (1.8 oz) extra for topping
- Parmesan cheese: 50 g (1.8 oz) grated
- Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 tsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish:
- Preheat the 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.
- Sauté Sausage:
- While pasta cooks, 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 for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and slightly thickened, 3–4 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Seasonings:
- Lower heat. Add cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until melted. Mix in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Combine:
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Assemble & Top:
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving, if desired.
Pin It One of my favorite moments is serving this straight out of the oven to my family, watching everyone go back for seconds and even thirds. It's the ultimate comfort food that brings us all around the dinner table.
Customization Ideas
Try adding a handful of baby spinach or some frozen peas for extra vegetables. For a lighter take, use smoked turkey sausage in place of pork sausage. You can also swap in mozzarella for some of the cheddar if you like a milder cheese flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta bake is delicious with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread. It also pairs well with a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave, or cover with foil and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Pin It This smoked sausage & cheddar pasta bake is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the comfort and flavor with every cheesy bite!