Dinner

Budget Sausage Cheese Pasta Recipe

ByEthan Lark January 7, 2026January 7, 2026

Introduction

This budget sausage cheese pasta is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining affordable ingredients with rich flavors, it’s an easy recipe that bakes to cheesy, saucy perfection.

A white plate filled with baked penne pasta mixed with ground meat, covered by a layer of melted yellow and light orange cheese, with some browned spots on top. The pasta pieces are visible under the cheese, showing a rough texture. The dish is garnished with finely chopped green herbs spread mainly in the center. The white marbled background adds contrast to the warm colors of the pasta dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound penne or fusilli pasta
1.1 pounds budget pork sausages, casings removed
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
14 ounces canned chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
¾ cup grated cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 5: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Season with dried Italian herbs, chili flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sausage sauce. Mix in half of the mozzarella and half of the cheddar cheese.
Step 7: Transfer the mixture into a large baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 8: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Step 9: Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use spicy sausages to add an extra kick to the dish.
Substitute mozzarella and cheddar with provolone or gouda for different flavors.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for added nutrition.
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if the pasta seems dry.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a baked pasta dish with three main layers. The bottom layer is made of cooked penne pasta in a yellow-orange color, mixed with browned ground meat that has a crumbly texture and rich brown color. The second layer is melted cheese that covers the pasta and meat unevenly, showing gooey, slightly browned yellow and white cheese spots. The top layer is sprinkled with small chopped green herbs, adding a fresh color contrast. The food is arranged in a round shape on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, penne or fusilli work best for holding the sauce, but you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.