Save A hearty, comforting casserole featuring smoky sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbling.
I first made this dish for a chilly weekend family dinner, and everyone loved how the smoky sausage paired with the creamy, cheesy pasta. It's now a repeat favorite at our table whenever we want a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or fusilli pasta
- Smoked sausage: 250 g (9 oz), 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 freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Cheddar cheese (topping): 50 g (1.8 oz), grated
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare bakeware:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a 2-liter (2-quart) baking dish.
- Cook pasta:
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown sausage:
- 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 vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 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. Lower heat and 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, mix cooked pasta, sausage, sautéed vegetables, and cheese sauce.
- Bake:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until top is golden and bubbling.
- Garnish and serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley before serving, if desired.
Save It's always a hit when served at our big family gatherings, with everyone going back for seconds and sharing laughs around the table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a simple green salad and a glass of crisp white wine for a balanced meal.
Variations
Add a handful of baby spinach or frozen peas to boost the vegetable content, or swap in smoked turkey sausage for a lighter twist.
Nutrition
Per serving: 670 calories, 34 g fat, 56 g carbohydrates, 34 g protein.
Save This casserole makes for wonderful leftovers, so save any extra for a cozy lunch the next day.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or fusilli pasta is ideal as they hold the sauce well and provide a pleasant texture.
- → Can I substitute the smoked sausage?
Yes, smoked turkey sausage or another smoked meat can be used for a lighter or different flavor.
- → How do I ensure the cheese sauce is smooth?
Gradually whisk in the milk while cooking the roux until the sauce thickens without lumps.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Baby spinach or frozen peas make great additions for more vegetables.
- → What is the best way to get a golden top crust?
Sprinkle extra grated cheddar cheese on top before baking and bake until bubbling and golden brown.