Save 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 recipe quickly became a favorite at our family dinners especially when we need something filling and easy to prepare.
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:
- 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:
- 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).
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 34 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Make 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:
- Combine the cooked pasta and sausage sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir in half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top.
- Cook Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Cool & Garnish:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Save My family always gathers around this dish sharing stories and laughter making meal time truly special.
Notes
Add chopped bell pepper or spinach for extra vegetables Pairs well with a simple green salad
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
Save This pasta bake is perfect for busy weeknights and makes delicious leftovers for lunches.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the pork sausages with other meats?
Yes, turkey or chicken sausages work well as a leaner option while maintaining the savory flavor.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Try adding chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini when cooking the onions to increase nutrition and color.
- → What type of pasta works best for this bake?
Penne or fusilli are ideal as their shapes hold the sauce well and provide good texture after baking.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze the baked leftovers for up to two months.
- → How do I ensure the cheese topping is golden and bubbly?
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown on top.