Sausage Pasta Bake
1 hr
Classic Norwegian weeknight staple — creamy white sauce, chunky sausage, and melted cheese on top. Ready in under an hour and the kids always go back for seconds.
norwegianpastafor kids
Dead simple weeknight dinner — pasta, sausage, corn, tomato sauce, and melted cheese on top. Use whatever veg or leftovers you have.
Instructions
- 1
Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions if you don't have leftovers to use. Drain it and tip it into an ovenproof dish.
- 2
Mix in the sausage pieces and the corn. Season with a little salt and pepper (throw in some fresh herbs too if you have them).
- 3
Warm the tomato sauce and taste it — adjust if needed. Pour it into the dish and stir gently to combine. Scatter the grated cheese over the top.
- 4
Bake in the middle of the oven at 220 °C until everything is heated through and the cheese is golden, about 15–20 minutes.
Per average serving
0
Calories
kcal
0
Protein
g
0
Carbs
g
0
Fat
g
0g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
0mg
Sodium
Family Portions
2portions
Adults
2
Children
No children added
Ingredients
Per average serving
0
Calories
kcal
0
Protein
g
0
Carbs
g
0
Fat
g
0g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
0mg
Sodium
Tips from the kitchen
- Warm the tomato sauce before pouring it in. Cold sauce straight from the jar will bring the oven temperature down and you'll end up with unevenly heated pasta in the middle.
- Don't skip tasting the sauce before it goes in. Some canned tomato sauces are quite sweet, others are sharp. A pinch of sugar or a splash of water can fix either problem in about 30 seconds.
- If you're using leftover pasta, it's probably already a bit dry and clumped. Toss it with a splash of water or a spoonful of the tomato sauce before mixing everything together so it loosens up.
- The cheese is done when it's got proper golden patches, not just melted. That usually takes the full 20 minutes at 220°C. If it's melted but pale after 15, switch to the grill for 2-3 minutes.
Ways to vary it
- Swap the sausage for whatever cooked meat you have sitting in the fridge. Leftover roast chicken, sliced chorizo, or even bacon pieces all work here.
- The corn can be swapped out or added to. Frozen peas, roasted peppers from a jar, or sliced mushrooms all fit without changing how the dish comes together.
- For a bit of heat, stir a teaspoon of chilli flakes into the tomato sauce before pouring it over. Kids can have theirs first, then you add the chilli to the rest.
Storage & leftovers
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered. It freezes fine too, though the pasta softens a little after thawing. Reheat in the oven at 180°C with a splash of water stirred through so it doesn't dry out, or microwave it covered on medium power.
What to serve with it
A simple green salad on the side is enough. Crusty bread works too if you want something to mop up the sauce.
UC
By Untrained ChefPublished 24 June 2026
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