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 family favorite on busy weeknights thanks to its comforting flavors and minimal prep time.
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 the 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:
- 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).
- 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.
- Cool and garnish:
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Save Family dinners have never been easier or more delicious since we started making this bake a weekly tradition.
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
Per serving: Calories 565 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 53 g Protein 28 g
Save This pasta bake is perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry family with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use different pasta types for this dish?
Yes, penne or fusilli work best because they hold the sauce well, but rigatoni or ziti are good alternatives.
- → What sausage types are recommended?
Pork sausages offer rich flavor, but turkey or chicken sausages can be used for a leaner option.
- → How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the tomato sauce longer to reduce liquid or add tomato paste to intensify thickness and flavor.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble the bake and refrigerate before baking. It can also be frozen for up to two months.
- → What sides pair well with this bake?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables complement the rich flavors nicely and add freshness.