Looking for a cozy and satisfying dish that’s both hearty and easy to make? This Easy Polish Pasta Casserole is the answer. Packed with pasta, savory sausage, onions, and a rich cheese sauce, this casserole is a family favorite that brings comfort to the table with minimal effort. It’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering.

This recipe takes inspiration from traditional Polish cuisine, where hearty ingredients and simple flavors shine. The combination of pasta and sausage, paired with a creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese, makes for a comforting, filling dish everyone will love. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preference or what you have in your pantry.

Whether you’re serving it for dinner, lunch, or even as a make-ahead meal, this Easy Polish Pasta Casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that requires little prep time and delivers maximum flavor.

Why This Easy Polish Pasta Casserole?

Selling Points:

• Quick and Simple: Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.
• Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, and cheesy, perfect for satisfying appetites.
• Family-Friendly: A dish that’s sure to please everyone, from kids to adults.
• Versatile: Easy to adapt with different meats or vegetables based on your tastes.
• Make-Ahead: Great for meal prepping and reheats wonderfully.

What You Need for Easy Polish Pasta Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pasta (penne, elbow macaroni, or any short pasta)
• 1 lb Polish sausage (or kielbasa), sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• 1 can (15 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

How to Make Easy Polish Pasta Casserole

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   
4. Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. If desired, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a little extra tang. Stir until well combined and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
5. Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce and the sausage and onions are evenly distributed.
   
6. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese, spreading it evenly over the top.
   
7. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
   
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
   

Tips for the Perfect Polish Pasta Casserole

• Use Quality Sausage: Polish sausage (or kielbasa) adds great flavor to the casserole, but feel free to swap it for other cooked sausages, such as Italian sausage or even chicken sausage.
• Cheese Variations: You can use a combination of cheeses, like mozzarella or Gouda, for a different flavor. Mixing sharp cheddar with a milder cheese gives the casserole a nice balance.
• Add Veggies: If you want to boost the nutritional value, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the casserole.
• Make It Spicy: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, swap the cheese, sour cream, and milk for dairy-free alternatives such as plant-based cheese and cream.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free. Check the labels of your other ingredients to ensure they’re also gluten-free.
• Meatless Option: You can replace the sausage with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty, meatless option.
• Add Bacon: For extra flavor, try adding crispy bacon or pancetta to the casserole.

Make It Healthier

• Lower Fat: Use a lower-fat version of sour cream and milk to cut down on calories.
• Increase Veggies: Add more vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or cauliflower to the casserole for added fiber and nutrients.
• Use Leaner Meat: Choose a leaner sausage or even ground turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.

Closing for Easy Polish Pasta Casserole

This Easy Polish Pasta Casserole is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. It’s quick, easy to make, and perfect for a family dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish at your next gathering. With the versatility to customize based on your tastes, this casserole will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation.

Serve it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal. Let us know how it turns out, and don’t forget to check out some of our other comforting recipes for more easy, delicious dishes. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Polish Pasta Casserole

Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Can I add other meats to the casserole?
Yes, feel free to add cooked ground beef, chicken, or even ham to the casserole for additional protein.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mozzarella, Gouda, or a blend of your favorite cheeses instead of cheddar. Just keep in mind that different cheeses melt differently, so the texture might change slightly.

What other herbs or seasonings can I add?
Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, or even add a bit of garlic powder and onion powder for more flavor.

This Easy Polish Pasta Casserole is a comforting, flavorful, and super easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping for a gathering, it’s sure to become a go-to dish. With minimal prep and a rich, savory flavor, it’s the kind of meal you’ll keep coming back to. Enjoy every bite!

Easy Polish Pasta Casserole

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb pasta (penne, elbow macaroni, or any short pasta)

• 1 lb Polish sausage (or kielbasa), sliced

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)

• 1 can (15 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 cup sour cream

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
• Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
• Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the can of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. If desired, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a little extra tang. Stir until well combined and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce and the sausage and onions are evenly distributed.
• Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese, spreading it evenly over the top.
• Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden, crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.