Creamy Sausage Penne

Quick Info

Prep: 15m | Cook: 35m | Servings: 6

🛒 Ingredients

• 3 cups uncooked penne pasta (approx. 10 oz)
• 1 lb smoked sausage or Italian sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 3 tbsp butter or margarine
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded Italian-style cheese blend (8 oz, divided)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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🍳 Equipment

• 2 to 3-quart casserole baking dish
• 3-quart saucepan
• Large pasta pot & colander
• Whisk

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📋 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook and drain penne pasta according to package directions.
2. In a 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, Italian seasoning, pepper, and minced garlic; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbly.
3. Whisk in milk and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, boiling and stirring constantly for 1 minute until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of the Italian cheese blend until melted and smooth.
5. Gently stir drained penne and sliced sausage into the cheese sauce.
6. Pour mixture into an ungreased casserole dish. Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 cup Italian cheese blend and grated Parmesan.
7. Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes until hot and bubbling throughout.

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💡 Notes & Variations

• Use spicy Italian sausage links (browned and sliced) or kielbasa depending on heat preference.

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