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 first served this to my family on a busy weeknight and it was an instant hit with everyone requesting 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

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)

Step 2:

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente Drain and set aside

Step 3:

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)

Step 4:

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

Step 5:

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

Step 6:

Combine the cooked pasta and sausage sauce in a large mixing bowl Stir in half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese

Step 7:

Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top

Step 8:

Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling

Step 9:

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

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This pasta bake always brings my family together around the dinner table sharing stories and laughter.

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

Calories 565 Total Fat 27 g Carbohydrates 53 g Protein 28 g

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This budget sausage and cheese pasta bake is an easy delicious meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of pasta works best?

Penne or fusilli pasta hold sauce well and maintain texture after baking, making them ideal choices for this dish.

→ Can I use different sausages?

Yes, turkey or chicken sausages provide a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Including chili flakes in the tomato sauce adds a subtle heat, or you can add fresh chili peppers to taste.

→ What herbs enhance the sauce?

Dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme contribute aromatic, savory notes complementing the sausage and tomato base.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.