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.
We whipped up this budget sausage and cheese pasta bake for a casual family night when everyone wanted comfort food but we didn&t want to overspend. The bubbling cheese always brings everyone running to the table.
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
- Prep 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.
- Sausage & Onion:
- 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 the chopped onion and cook for 3 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Tomato 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 Pasta & Sauce:
- 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. 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.
Pin This pasta bake is one of those dishes we make for birthday parties and potlucks—every bite reminds us of cozy weekends spent together.
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 so always check labels for soy, wheat, or other additives.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 565, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 53 g, Protein: 28 g
Pin Enjoy this budget pasta bake warm out of the oven with your favorite salad for the ultimate easy comfort meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of sausage works best?
Use budget pork sausages for rich flavor; turkey or chicken sausages offer a leaner alternative.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, chopped bell peppers or spinach can be stirred in for added nutrients and color.
- → How to prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Cook pasta until just al dente to ensure it holds texture after baking.
- → Can leftovers be stored safely?
Leftovers can be refrigerated up to three days or frozen for two months without losing quality.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
A simple green salad pairs nicely, adding freshness to the hearty bake.