Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Pasta and Sausage Casserole. This dish combines tender pasta, savory sausages, and a rich, aromatic béchamel sauce infused with cloves and onion. Topped with melted cheese, it’s a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The infusion of cloves adds a subtle depth, making this casserole a standout among traditional pasta bakes.
Cooking Time
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Preparation Time: 20 minutes
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Cooking Time: 60 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
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Servings: 6 portions
Ingredients
For the infused milk:
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300 ml whole milk
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1 small onion, peeled
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3–4 dried cloves
For the pasta and filling:
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300 g pasta (penne, macaroni, or fusilli)
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3 boiled sausages (chicken, pork, or beef), sliced
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 tablespoons sunflower oil
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Salt, to taste
For the béchamel-style sauce:
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50 g unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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Infused milk (from above)
For topping and baking:
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200 g grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Infuse the Milk
In a saucepan, combine 300 ml of whole milk, a peeled small onion, and 3–4 dried cloves. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, discard the onion and cloves, and set the infused milk aside.
2. Cook the Pasta and Sausages
Boil 300 g of pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. Separately, boil the sausages until fully cooked, then slice them into thin rounds.
3. Sauté the Onion and Sausages
In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of sunflower oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the sliced sausages and cook for another 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt 50 g of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Gradually pour in the infused milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt to taste.
5. Assemble the Casserole
In a greased baking dish, spread the cooked pasta evenly. Layer the sautéed sausage and onion mixture on top. Pour the béchamel sauce over the pasta and filling, ensuring it spreads evenly.
6. Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle 200 g of grated cheese over the top of the casserole, covering it completely.
7. Bake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
8. Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 520
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Protein: 22 g
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Carbohydrates: 48 g
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Fat: 28 g
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Saturated Fat: 13 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Sugar: 4 g
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Sodium: 800 mg
Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This dish draws inspiration from classic European comfort foods, particularly Italian “pasta al forno” and French gratins. The use of béchamel sauce and baked pasta has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. The addition of clove-infused milk adds a unique twist, reminiscent of traditional French cooking techniques. Over time, such casseroles have gained popularity worldwide for their versatility and comforting flavors.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Comforting and Filling: A hearty meal that satisfies hunger and warms the soul.
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Flavor-Packed: The infused milk and combination of ingredients create a rich, savory taste.
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Versatile: Easily adaptable with different types of pasta, sausages, or cheeses.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and bake when ready.
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Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
Health Benefits
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Protein-Rich: Sausages and cheese provide a good source of protein.
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Calcium Boost: Milk and cheese contribute to daily calcium intake.
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Energy Fuel: Pasta and butter offer quick energy.
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Antioxidants: Onions and cloves contain beneficial antioxidants.
Serving Suggestions
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Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
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Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread or crusty rolls.
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Beverage: Complement with a glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking Pasta: Ensure pasta is al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
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Lumpy Sauce: Whisk continuously while adding milk to the roux to avoid lumps.
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Uneven Layering: Spread ingredients evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
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Insufficient Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning in the béchamel sauce before assembling.
Pairing Recommendations
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Wines: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
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Sides: Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salad.
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Desserts: Light fruit sorbet or a slice of apple pie.
Cooking Tips
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Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor.
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Cheese Varieties: Mix different cheeses for a more complex taste.
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Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
Similar Recipes to Try
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Baked Ziti with Sausage: A classic Italian-American dish with tomato sauce and mozzarella.
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Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and cheesy, a favorite comfort food.
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Lasagna: Layers of pasta, meat, and cheese baked to perfection.
Variations to Try
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Vegetarian: Substitute sausages with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant.
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Spicy: Use spicy sausages or add chili flakes to the béchamel sauce.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives.
Ingredient Spotlight
Cloves: These aromatic spices add depth and warmth to dishes. In this recipe, they infuse the milk, imparting a subtle, unique flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Onion: A staple in many cuisines, onions provide sweetness and umami when cooked, balancing the richness of the béchamel sauce.
Sausages: Choose high-quality sausages for the best flavor. They add a savory, meaty component that complements the creamy sauce and pasta.
Cheese: Opt for cheeses that melt well, like mozzarella or gouda, to achieve a gooey, golden topping.
Conclusion
This Creamy Baked Pasta and Sausage Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, offering a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. The infusion of cloves in the milk adds a subtle depth, setting this dish apart from traditional pasta bakes. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
2. What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or macaroni holds the sauce well and is ideal for this casserole.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Store in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.
4. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace sausages with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
5. What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar, gouda, or a mix of cheeses can be used based on your preference.
6. Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Use plant-based milk, butter, and cheese substitutes to make a dairy-free version.
7. Can I add herbs to the béchamel sauce?
Yes, herbs like thyme, parsley, or nutmeg can enhance the flavor of the sauce.
8. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Ensure the milk is added gradually to the roux while whisking continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
9. What can I serve alongside this casserole?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables complement the dish well.
10. How do I store leftovers?
Cool the casserole completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.