Baked Cheesy Pasta with Sausage and Mushrooms

Baked Cheesy Pasta with Sausage and Mushrooms

When comfort food calls, few dishes deliver like a creamy, bubbling Baked Cheesy Pasta with Sausage and Mushrooms. This hearty casserole brings together tender pasta, golden sausage slices, sautéed mushrooms, and melty cheese in one satisfying, oven-finished dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or lazy Sunday meals, it’s an easy, make-ahead-friendly recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and your plate with flavor.

The combination of savory sausage and earthy mushrooms creates a deep, balanced taste, while the cheese sauce ties it all together in creamy perfection. Best of all, this dish uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand—and the result is pure comfort in every bite. Whether served with a side salad or on its own, this pasta bake is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (shells, penne, or rigatoni work well)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 8 oz cooked sausage (sliced into rounds, any kind you like: smoked, spicy, or mild)

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• 8 oz fresh mushrooms, sliced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente (it will continue to cook in the oven). Drain and set aside.

3. Sauté sausage and mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden and tender, about 5 minutes. Set aside with the sausage.

4. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to create a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until fully melted and combined.

5. Combine and layer: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Pour into the greased baking dish. Top evenly with the sautéed mushrooms and browned sausage slices.

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6. Bake: Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

7. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Storage:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Final Thoughts:

With its cheesy richness, hearty sausage, and tender mushrooms, this Baked Cheesy Pasta with Sausage and Mushrooms is a comforting meal that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing. It’s everything a baked pasta dish should be—warm, creamy, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a delicious meal ahead of time, this casserole is sure to satisfy every time.