Creamy Penne with Smoked Sausage and Peas
Delight your taste buds with this creamy and comforting dish featuring tender penne pasta, flavorful smoked sausage, and sweet peas, all enveloped in a rich sauce made from cream of celery soup and milk. Topped with crispy French-fried onions and gooey mozzarella cheese, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s not only quick to prepare but also guarantees a satisfying meal for everyone at the table. Share this savory and hearty dish with your loved ones, and watch it become a new favorite!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked penne pasta
2 cups (Cook according to package directions)
smoked sausage or fully cooked kielbasa
1 lb (Cut into 1/4-inch slices)
milk
1 1/2 cups (No preparation needed)
condensed cream of celery soup
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can (Undiluted)
cheddar French-fried onions
1 1/2 cups (Divided)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (Divided)
frozen peas
1 cup (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 13x9x2 inch baking dish.
2
Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the sliced smoked sausage or kielbasa. Brown for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk and condensed cream of celery soup until smooth.
5
Stir in 1/2 cup of the cheddar French-fried onions, 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, the frozen peas, and the browned sausage. Mix well to combine.
6
Add the drained penne pasta to the sausage mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
7
Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly.
8
Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining French-fried onions and mozzarella cheese on top.
9
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
10
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this recipe?
The main protein is 1 pound of smoked sausage or fully cooked kielbasa cut into 1/4-inch slices.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked penne pasta.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This dish yields approximately 6 servings.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
What size baking dish is needed?
You will need a 13x9x2 inch baking dish.
Should the baking dish be prepared before adding ingredients?
Yes, you should grease the baking dish before adding the pasta mixture.
How do I prepare the penne pasta?
Cook the penne according to the package directions until it is al dente, then drain it.
How long should I brown the smoked sausage?
Brown the sliced sausage in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What is the base of the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from 1.5 cups of milk and one 10.75-ounce can of condensed cream of celery soup.
What kind of cheese is included in this dish?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, divided for mixing into the sauce and topping the dish.
What type of fried onions are used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of cheddar French-fried onions.
Are the peas fresh or frozen?
The recipe uses 1 cup of frozen peas, which do not need any prior preparation.
Do I need to dilute the cream of celery soup?
No, the condensed cream of celery soup should be used undiluted.
How thick should the sausage slices be?
The sausage or kielbasa should be cut into 1/4-inch slices.
When do I add the frozen peas?
Stir the frozen peas into the milk and soup mixture along with the browned sausage and initial portions of cheese and onions.
How long is the initial baking time?
The dish is first baked covered with foil for 25 to 30 minutes until the mixture is bubbly.
Why do I cover the dish with aluminum foil?
The foil is used during the first phase of baking to keep moisture in and prevent the top from burning before the center is hot.
What is the final step in the oven?
Remove the foil, add the remaining onions and cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
The dish is finished when the cheese on top has melted and is bubbly.
Can I use kielbasa instead of smoked sausage?
Yes, fully cooked kielbasa is an excellent substitute for smoked sausage in this recipe.
Is the sauce mixed before adding the pasta?
Yes, combine the milk and soup until smooth, then add the sausage and other ingredients before gently stirring in the cooked penne.
Do I need to drain the sausage fat?
Yes, after browning the sausage in the skillet, you should drain any excess fat before adding it to the mixing bowl.
How much of the French-fried onions go into the mixture?
Use 1/2 cup of the onions inside the mixture and save the remaining 1 cup for the crispy topping.
How much mozzarella cheese goes into the mixture?
Use 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella inside the mixture and the remaining 1/2 cup for the topping.
Can I use different types of French-fried onions?
While cheddar-flavored French-fried onions are specified, original or other flavors can be used based on preference.
Is it necessary to let the dish cool?
It is recommended to let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to set.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is a creamy, savory, and hearty comfort food dish with a smoky flavor from the sausage and a salty crunch from the fried onions.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Whisk the milk and condensed soup together in a large mixing bowl until no lumps remain before adding other ingredients.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags for this recipe include pasta, penne, smoked sausage, comfort food, casserole, and family meals.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, its large serving size and kid-friendly ingredients make it perfect for families and gatherings.