Cheesy Penne Pasta and Smoked Sausage Casserole

Chef #680599's Note:

Smoked sausage is my new go to meat for a tight budget, so I have been searching for something to use it in besides Jambalaya. I found this recipe in a Taste of Home magazine and loved it! I just had to share it! For a healthier casserole, I use whole wheat pasta, turkey smoked sausage, 98% fat free soup and low fat cheese.

• Total Time: 55 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 1.0 cup

• 2 cups penne pasta , uncooked
• 14 ounces smoked sausage , cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 (10 ¾ ounce) can cream of celery soup
• 1 ½ cups cheddar French-fried onions , separated (I couldn't find cheddar, so I used regular and it was great)
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese , shredded, divided
• ½ cup cheddar cheese , shredded, divided

Directions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, brown sausage in a skillet and drain. (I skipped this step since I was using fully cooked turkey smoked sausage and wouldn't have any fat to render).
3. In a large bowl, combine milk and soup.
4. Stir in 1/2 cup onions, 1/4 cup of each cheese, and sausage.
5. Drain pasta and stir into sausage mixture.
6. Transfer to a greased 13 x 9 baking dish.
7. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.
8. Sprinkle with remaining onions and cheese.
9. Bake, uncovered, 3-5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

Reviews

[Dissie]

This was very good. I did add more cheese as we like our macaroni and cheese, cheesier. I used dreamfields rotini pasta. My son said he would eat this everyday! Great comfort food and it came together fast, for a good quick evening meal. Served with a side salad. I was thinking of adding in some spinach, but thought I would try the real recipe first and add things later. Thanks for the recipe!

[bad kitty 1116]

This recipe is great with the peas added, like the original recipe! The original recipe calls for 1 pound smoked sausage or polska kielbasa. I didn't find it salty at all, like some reviewers.

[blueguitargirl1985]

This was just a HIT at my house. One of those rare recipes that was loved by all! I made 1 1/2 times the recipe, used lower sodium soup (one cream of mushroom, one cream of chicken) because the sausage and cheese are already salty. I sauteed a large sweet onion prior to throwing the sausage in the skillet, and the touch of sweetness was a really nice contrast. It's like a great mac and cheese, with that yummy sausage, and crispy onion topping, but the sauce doesn't break down when re-heated! This one is really a keeper!