Creamy Sausage Stroganoff Pasta Bake
Description:
This comforting pasta bake combines the rich, creamy flavors of classic stroganoff with hearty sausage and tender pasta, all topped with a golden cheesy crust. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s filling, flavorful, and can be made ahead for convenience.
Time Required:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
For the Stroganoff:
300g (10 oz) pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
400g (14 oz) sausage (pork, beef or chicken – removed from casing)
250g (9 oz) mushrooms, sliced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
200ml (3/4 cup) beef or vegetable stock
200ml (3/4 cup) sour cream or crème fraîche
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Bake:
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the pasta in salted water until just al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Cook the Sausage:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Add Sausage and Mushrooms:
Add sausage meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add mushrooms and cook until tender and any liquid has evaporated.
Make the Sauce:
Stir in tomato paste, paprika, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and stock. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Lower heat and stir in the sour cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine with Pasta:
Mix the pasta into the stroganoff sauce until fully coated.
Assemble the Bake:
Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
Bake:
Bake for 15–20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Serve:
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~630 kcal
Protein 28g
Carbohydrates 52g
Sugars 5g
Fat 34g
Saturated Fat 14g
Fiber 4g
Sodium 850mg
Note: Values are estimates and vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Use full-fat Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess. Add it off the heat to avoid curdling.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cool it completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 35–40 minutes.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian-style sausages (mild or spicy) work beautifully. You can also use chicken or vegetarian sausage alternatives.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta and check that your sausage, Worcestershire sauce, and stock are all gluten-free.
What vegetables can I add?
Try baby spinach, kale, or chopped bell peppers. Stir them in before baking