Creamy Cheesy Penne Casserole with Smoked Sausage
This indulgent Creamy Cheesy Penne Casserole is the perfect comfort food! With smoky sausage, creamy sauce, and a delightful blend of cheeses, this dish combines rich flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. The penne pasta absorbs the creamy texture, providing a delicious base complemented by crispy French-fried onions adding an irresistible crunch. Budget-friendly and simple to prepare, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners. You can easily adapt it to healthier options by using whole wheat pasta and turkey sausage, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty meal guilt-free!
N/A
Servings
520
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
2 cups (uncooked)
smoked sausage
14 ounces (cut into 1/4 inch slices)
milk
1.5 cups (none)
cream of celery soup
10.75 ounces (1 can)
cheddar French-fried onions
1.5 cups (separated)
mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded, divided)
cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded, divided)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, brown the smoked sausage over medium heat until lightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. If using pre-cooked turkey sausage, simply heat it through and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and cream of celery soup, mixing until smooth.
5
Add 1/2 cup of the French-fried onions, 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the soup mixture, along with the browned sausage. Stir until well combined.
6
Fold in the drained penne pasta until fully distributed in the mixture.
7
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly.
9
Remove the foil, then sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions and cheese on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.
10
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your luscious and cheesy casserole!
Nutrition Information
29g
Fat
42g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Penne Casserole?
It is an indulgent comfort food dish featuring smoky sausage, penne pasta, and a creamy sauce with a blend of cheeses and crispy onions.
What are the main ingredients for this casserole?
The main ingredients are penne pasta, smoked sausage, milk, cream of celery soup, French-fried onions, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 520 calories.
What kind of sausage should I use?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of smoked sausage, cut into 1/4 inch slices.
Can I substitute the smoked sausage with something else?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked turkey sausage as a healthier alternative.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish is needed for this recipe.
At what temperature should I bake the casserole?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do I need to brown the sausage?
Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes until lightly crispy.
What type of soup is used for the creamy sauce?
The recipe uses one 10.75-ounce can of cream of celery soup.
Can I use a different cream soup?
Yes, cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup can be used as alternatives.
How much milk is required?
You will need 1.5 cups of milk.
What cheeses are included in the mixture?
The recipe uses shredded mozzarella and shredded cheddar cheese.
How many French-fried onions do I need?
You will need 1.5 cups of cheddar French-fried onions in total.
Should the pasta be cooked before baking?
Yes, cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions before assembling.
How long does the casserole bake in the oven?
Bake covered for 25-30 minutes, then bake uncovered for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Should I cover the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, cover it with aluminum foil for the first 25-30 minutes of baking.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The dish contains 29g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 19g of protein per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 42g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a budget-friendly and simple meal for families.
Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Yes, whole wheat pasta is a great healthy adaptation for this recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients used in this dish.
When do I add the final topping of onions and cheese?
Add the remaining onions and cheese after removing the foil, during the last 3-5 minutes of baking.
How do I know when the casserole is finished?
The casserole is done when it is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and golden.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, allow it to cool for a few minutes to help the sauce set.
Is this a good meal for weeknights?
Yes, it is simple to prepare and perfect for a quick family weeknight dinner.
What provides the crunch in this casserole?
The crunchy texture comes from the cheddar French-fried onions.
Can I add extra cheese?
Yes, you can easily increase the amount of mozzarella or cheddar based on preference.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features smoky, creamy, and cheesy flavors with a savory crunch.
What tags define this recipe?
Key tags include cheesy, casserole, penne, smoked sausage, comfort food, and easy dinner.