Cheesy Sausage and Pasta Bake
This hearty Italian bake combines pasta with grilled Italian sausages and sautéed vegetables in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden, it's a satisfying meal ideal for lunch or a snack. The recipe serves four and takes about 60 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
- 2 green onions
- 6 medium sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped red peppers or 1/2 cup green pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups macaroni or 2 cups shell pasta
- 5 sliced cooked Italian sausages (preferably bar-b-qued or grilled)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup ricotta cheese or 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- fresh ground black pepper
- salt, to taste
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
Method
- Cook the Italian sausages, then slice them and set aside.
- Sauté the green onions, mushrooms, and peppers in 2 tablespoons of butter until softened.
- While the vegetables cook, boil the pasta in well-salted water until al dente, then drain it.
- Begin the sauce by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot.
- Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste, stirring continuously.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk while stirring.
- Add the ricotta, mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses, along with salt and black pepper.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it begins to thicken, adding a little more milk if needed.
- Combine the drained pasta, sliced sausages, and the cooked vegetable mixture into the pot with the sauce and stir well.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake at 350 degrees until the dish is thoroughly heated and the top is golden.
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Nutrition (per serving)
Sodium2281500 mg
Recipe details
CategorySnack
Cuisineitalian
AuthorLeslie
