If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that bursts with rich flavors and gooey cheese, you’ve just found it: the Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe. This dish brings together tender penne pasta, smoky sausage slices, and a velvety cheese sauce that bakes up golden and bubbly, making each bite irresistibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to impress friends, this recipe perfectly balances hearty and cheesy elements in a way that feels both familiar and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but incredibly important—they each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, creating creamy texture, and adding impressive color to your cheesy sausage penne bake. With simple pantry staples and fresh touches, this dish stays approachable yet unforgettable.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to capture every bit of the luscious sauce in its tubes.
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced: Adds a smoky, savory punch that elevates the whole bake.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharpness and depth of flavor that melts beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that stretchy, gooey texture you dream about in a baked pasta.
- 2 tbsp butter: The rich base for your cheese sauce, making it creamy and indulgent.
- 2 tbsp flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency without lumps.
- 2 cups milk: Creates the creamy body of the sauce, balancing richness and smoothness.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory lift without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning with a gentle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the ingredients into harmony.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the dish visually and in flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just al dente. This is crucial because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, and you want your pasta to be tender but still have a firm bite. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Sauté the Sausage
In a hot skillet, brown your sliced smoked sausage over medium heat. Let it develop a nice crust on both sides to bring out its smoky, savory goodness. After they’re perfectly cooked and caramelized, set them aside. This step deepens the flavor, which gives your bake that irresistible meaty richness.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Now for the star of the show. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute to eliminate any raw taste—this mixture is called a roux and is the secret to a smooth, thick sauce. Gradually whisk in milk, keeping the mixture smooth and lump-free. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a velvety texture. Then, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the layers of flavor.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Lower the heat and stir in your shredded cheddar and mozzarella until everything is melted and the sauce looks glossy and inviting. This perfect blend of cheeses gives the sauce its creamy body and wonderful cheesy stretch that makes this bake so addictive.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the cooked penne pasta with the cheese sauce until every piece is luxuriously coated. Transfer this mixture to a baking dish and evenly arrange the browned sausage slices on top. For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a little more cheese on top before baking. Pop it into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden and bubbly, making it impossible to resist.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe rest for a few minutes. This helps all those delicious flavors to settle and intensify, ensuring every spoonful is pure comfort food perfection.
How to Serve Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is all you need to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh brightness that beautifully contrasts the rich cheese and smoky sausage. You can also try a little cracked black pepper or even a drizzle of good olive oil to elevate the final presentation.
Side Dishes
To balance this hearty bake, fresh green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make ideal, light sides. Garlic bread or warm rolls work wonderfully to mop up every last cheesy bite, completing your meal with warmth and satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe straight from a rustic baking dish to bring cozy family vibes to your table. For entertaining, portion it into mini ramekins for individual servings that make everyone feel special. You could even turn it into layered bake cups by baking it in muffin tins topped with Parmesan for a crispy crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheesy sausage penne bake keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Making it ahead is a fantastic way to save time on busy nights without sacrificing taste or comfort.
Freezing
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Just transfer portions into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze. When you want a quick, delicious meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a cozy dinner.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. You can also microwave portions, but the oven method helps maintain that fresh-baked texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While smoked sausage adds great flavor, you can swap it for Italian sausage, kielbasa, or even chicken sausage depending on your preference. Just make sure to cook it well before adding to the bake.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the sausage with hearty veggies like mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or plant-based sausage alternatives to keep that satisfying texture and flavor profile.
What cheese combinations work best?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classics here, but feel free to add Parmesan for sharpness or Gruyere for extra creaminess. Mixing cheeses can add new, delicious dimensions to your bake.
Can I prepare this ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Then bake it fresh when you’re ready to enjoy for a convenient and stress-free meal.
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
Cook the penne just until tender but still slightly firm to the bite—about a minute or two less than the package instructions suggest. This ensures it won’t go mushy after baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a warm, cheesy, and savory baked pasta dish to bring people together, and the Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe is a shining star in that category. Give it a whirl for your next dinner and watch it quickly become a beloved favorite in your home. Trust me, each cozy, melty forkful will have you coming back for more!
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Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Sausage Penne Bake is a comforting and delicious pasta casserole featuring tender penne pasta, smoky sausage slices, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with cheddar and mozzarella. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sausage
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente, which usually takes about 9-11 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced smoked sausage until both sides are browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine & Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and transfer this mixture to a baking dish. Arrange the browned sausage slices on top and optionally sprinkle with additional cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot for a comforting, cheesy meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Feel free to use different types of cheese based on preference, such as Monterey Jack or gouda.
- Using smoked sausage adds a nice depth of flavor, but you can substitute with Italian sausage if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook pasta initially since it will bake more in the oven.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
