Budget Sausage Cheese Pasta

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.

I love making this dish because it always brings everyone to the table with big smiles and requests for seconds

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 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)

Cook vegetables:

Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 4 minutes until softened Stir in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute

Simmer 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 and 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

Prepare 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

Serve:

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving Garnish with chopped parsley if desired

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This recipe always fills the kitchen with warmth and the sound of happy chatter at family dinners

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

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This budget sausage and cheese pasta bake is the perfect cozy meal to keep your family satisfied with minimal fuss

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, penne or fusilli work best for holding sauce, but most pasta shapes can be used depending on your preference.

→ How can I make it leaner?

Swap pork sausages for turkey or chicken sausages to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.

→ Can I add vegetables to the bake?

Absolutely, chopped bell peppers, spinach, or other veggies can be added to boost nutrition and color.

→ What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

→ How to ensure the cheese melts perfectly?

Evenly sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar over the top and bake until golden and bubbling, about 20 minutes at 200°C (400°F).

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the bake and refrigerate before baking when ready to enjoy.