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
Scale
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.
