Save to Pinterest 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 has always been a hit with my family especially on busy weeknights when I need something quick and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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:
- 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).
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 4 minutes until softened Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Pour in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste Add dried herbs chili flakes (if using) salt and pepper Simmer for 8 10 minutes stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Ingredients:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together especially when we enjoy it with a fresh green salad on the side.
Required Tools
Large pot Large skillet Mixing bowl Baking dish (approx. 22 x 33 cm/9 x 13 in) Wooden spoon Chefs knife
Allergen Information
Contains Gluten (pasta) Dairy (cheese) and may contain eggs (depending on pasta and sausage used) Sausages may contain other allergens—check labels for soy wheat or other additives
Nutritional Information
Calories 565 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 53 g Protein 28 g (per serving)
Save to Pinterest This pasta bake is a great make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.
Common Questions
- → Can I use different types of sausages?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausages can be used for a leaner alternative without compromising flavor.
- → Is it possible to add extra vegetables?
Certainly, chopped bell peppers or fresh spinach can be stirred into the mixture for added nutrition and color.
- → How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked before baking?
Cook the pasta until just al dente, so it retains a slight firmness and doesn't become mushy after baking.
- → Can leftovers be stored safely?
Leftover portions can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to two months for convenient future meals.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement the rich flavors and balance the meal nicely.