Pin 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 become a staple in my household especially when feeding a hungry family on a limited budget
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Step 2:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente Drain and set aside
- Step 3:
- Meanwhile 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)
- Step 4:
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute
- Step 5:
- 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
- Step 6:
- Combine the cooked pasta and sausage sauce in a large mixing bowl Stir in half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese
- Step 7:
- Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top
- Step 8:
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling
- Step 9:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving Garnish with chopped parsley if desired
Pin My family always gathers around the table eager to dig into this comforting pasta bake especially during busy weeknights
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
Pin This pasta bake is a delicious and easy crowd-pleaser that makes weeknight dinners a breeze
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or fusilli works best for holding the sauce, but rigatoni, rotini, or macaroni can be substituted.
- → How can I make this dish leaner?
Swap pork sausage for turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables?
Absolutely, chopped bell peppers or spinach can be stirred into the sauce for extra nutrients and color.
- → What cheese combinations work well?
Mozzarella and cheddar blend creates a gooey, savory topping. You can also try provolone or Parmesan for added depth.
- → Can leftovers be stored safely?
Yes, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Cook pasta until just al dente to avoid mushiness after baking; it will finish cooking in the oven.