Easy Sausage Pasta Bake | Budget-Friendly Family Dinner (Freezer-Friendly)

This easy sausage pasta bake is a budget-friendly family dinner that’s perfect for beginners. It feeds 6–8 people, can be made ahead, and freezes beautifully, ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Made with simple ingredients, a rich sausage sauce, creamy béchamel, and plenty of cheese, this comforting pasta bake is guaranteed to be a family favourite.

Watch The Recipe Video Below

Easy Sausage Pasta Bake | Budget-Friendly Family Dinner (Freezer-Friendly)

EASY SAUSAGE PASTA BAKE

Budget-Friendly • Family-Friendly • Freezer-Friendly

Serves 6–8

INGREDIENTS

Sausage Sauce

400g x Pork Sausages

1 tbsp x Olive Oil

1 x Red Onion (diced)

2 x Cloves Garlic (finely chopped)

1 tsp x Dried Sage

60g x Tomato Purée

150ml x White Wine

300ml x Vegetable Stock

Pasta

500g x Dried Pasta (any shape)

Salt (for pasta water)

200g x Frozen Spinach

Béchamel Sauce

50g x Butter

50g x Plain (all-purpose) Flour

600ml x Whole Milk

Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)

Nutmeg, finely grated

Topping

150g x Mature Cheddar Cheese (grated)

METHOD

Prepare the Sausages

Split the sausage skins lengthways and remove them.

Break the sausage meat into small pieces and set aside.

Wash hands thoroughly.

Make the Sausage Sauce

Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the olive oil.

Add the sausage meat and cook until browned.

Add the diced onion, reduce heat to low, and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft.

Stir in the garlic and dried sage. Cook for 1 minute.

Add the tomato purée and cook for 1 minute.

Pour in the white wine and vegetable stock.

Bring to the boil, then simmer for 15 minutes, or until reduced by half.

Remove from the heat.

Cook the Pasta & Spinach

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 10 minutes.

Add the frozen spinach and cook for 2 more minutes.

Drain well.

Stir the pasta and spinach into the sausage sauce until evenly coated.

Make the Béchamel Sauce

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.

Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.

Gradually add the milk, stirring well after each addition, until smooth and thick.

Season with salt, pepper, and a small grating of nutmeg.

Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from the heat.

Assemble

Preheat oven to 180°C fan (200°C conventional).

In a baking dish, layer:

Half of the sausage pasta

Half of the béchamel

Remaining pasta

Remaining béchamel

Top with grated cheddar cheese.

Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbling.

STORAGE

Cool completely before storing.

Refrigerate overnight or freeze in portions.

Reheat until piping hot throughout.