Cheesy Penne Pasta and Smoked Sausage Casserole

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bubbly, cheesy casserole, especially on a chilly evening. I remember my grandmother making a similar dish, though hers always featured ground beef and elbow macaroni. The aroma that filled her kitchen was pure magic, and this Cheesy Penne Pasta and Smoked Sausage Casserole evokes that same sense of warmth and nostalgia. The combination of savory sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet satisfying enough to serve to company.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Dietary Type: Varies (can be modified for gluten-free or lower-fat options)

Ingredients

• 2 cups penne pasta, uncooked
• 14 ounces smoked sausage, cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of celery soup
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar French-fried onions, separated (regular French-fried onions can be substituted)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, divided
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Skillet (optional)
• Large bowl
• 13 x 9 inch baking dish
• Colander

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.
3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the smoked sausage. If you prefer, brown the sausage slices in a skillet over medium heat until lightly browned. This step enhances the flavor, but can be skipped if you are using pre-cooked sausage or want to reduce fat. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the milk and cream of celery soup until smooth. This forms the creamy base for the casserole.
5. Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheddar French-fried onions, 1/4 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, and the cooked sausage into the milk and soup mixture. Ensure everything is well combined.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly using a colander.
7. Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the sausage and cheese mixture. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.
8. Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
9. Transfer the pasta and sausage mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
10. Cover the baking dish with foil. This will help to keep the casserole moist while it bakes.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
12. Remove the foil from the baking dish.
13. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar French-fried onions (1 cup), shredded mozzarella cheese (1/4 cup), and shredded cheddar cheese (1/4 cup) evenly over the top of the casserole.
14. Return the casserole to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the French-fried onions are golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
15. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack, in addition to the mozzarella and cheddar.
• If you’re short on time, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
• To prevent the French-fried onions from burning, add them during the last 5-7 minutes of baking instead of the last 3-5.
• If the casserole starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
• Don’t overcook the pasta initially! Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Cheesy Penne Pasta and Smoked Sausage Casserole hot, straight from the oven. It’s delicious on its own or as a side dish to a simple salad or steamed vegetables.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through.

The casserole can also be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheating from frozen may require a longer baking time.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	482 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	272 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	30.2 g	46%
Saturated Fat	11.8 g	59%
Cholesterol	74.2 mg	24%
Sodium	990.6 mg	41%
Total Carbohydrate	34.6 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	4.2 g	16%
Sugars	1.5 g	5%
Protein	18.1 g	36%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure the cream of celery soup is also gluten-free.
• Lower Fat: Use whole wheat pasta, turkey smoked sausage, and a 98% fat-free cream of celery soup. Reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese option.
• Vegetarian: Substitute the smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or a medley of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as pepper jack, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Cream of Mushroom: Substitute the cream of celery soup with cream of mushroom soup.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Elbow macaroni, rotini, or farfalle would all work well in this casserole. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
A: Cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup (if not vegetarian) can be used as a substitute.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
A: Definitely! Diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be great additions. Sauté them before adding them to the casserole for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Cheesy Penne Pasta and Smoked Sausage Casserole becomes a new favorite in your kitchen! It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, and spices to create your own unique version. I’d love to hear your feedback and any creative twists you come up with! Perhaps serve it alongside a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite red wine for a complete and comforting meal.