Oven Baked Sausage and Mushroom Pasta Gratin

🧀 Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta

• 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed

• 8 oz (225g) mushrooms, sliced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups (480ml) milk (whole or 2%)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🍽️ Instructions

1. Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook Pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add olive oil, then sauté onion and mushrooms until soft and golden. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

5. Melt butter in the skillet, then stir in flour. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

6. Slowly whisk in milk and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened.

7. Stir in Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper.

8. Combine cooked pasta, sausage, and mushroom sauce in a large bowl.

9. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and breadcrumbs (if using).

10. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

11. Garnish with parsley and serve warm!

💡 Tips & Variations

• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

• Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for more cheesy depth.

• Great make-ahead meal—just assemble and refrigerate before baking.