Creamy Italian Sausage Penne Casserole with Three Cheeses
A hearty baked pasta casserole featuring tender penne in a rich cheese sauce with smoky sausage pieces. The creamy base combines milk with Italian cheese blend and Parmesan, creating layers of comfort food flavor. Perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings, this one-dish meal delivers satisfying portions with minimal cleanup. The golden bubbly top and aromatic Italian seasoning make this version especially appealing for cheese lovers seeking a filling weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked penne pasta
- ¼ cup butter or margarine
- ⅓ cup Gold Medal all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded Italian-style cheese blend
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces smoked sausage, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 350 degrees and cook pasta according to package directions, then drain
- 2
Melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat
- 3
Stir in flour, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper and garlic
- 4
Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly, then remove from heat
- 5
Stir in milk and heat to boiling over medium-high heat, stirring constantly
- 6
Boil and stir 1 minute, then remove from heat
- 7
Stir in Italian cheese blend and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese until melted
- 8
Gently stir pasta and sausage into cheese sauce
- 9
Pour into ungreased 3-quart casserole
- 10
Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning
- 11
Bake uncovered about 30 minutes or until bubbly
Tips
Use a 3-quart casserole dish to prevent overflow and ensure even baking throughout the pasta mixture.
Stir the cheese sauce constantly while heating to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days. Reheat portions in microwave or covered in 325F oven.
Assemble completely without final baking. Cover and refrigerate up to 1 day, then bake as directed adding 5-10 minutes.
Serve hot directly from casserole dish with side salad or garlic bread for complete meal.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip stirring the cheese sauce constantly to avoid lumpy texture
Avoid overbaking to prevent dried out pasta and separated cheese sauce
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
specific cheese control
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini works well. Use the same amount by weight for best results.
What if I don't have Italian seasoning?
Mix equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme, or use individual herbs you have available.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or entire dish covered in oven.