Cheesy Baked Fusilloni with Sausage and Mushrooms

Baked Pasta with Mushrooms and Sausage

Category: Main Course
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

This Baked Pasta with Mushrooms and Sausage is a comforting and rich dish that combines tender pasta with sautéed mushrooms, sausage, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Finished off with a layer of melted cheese, it’s perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends. The mixture of earthy portobello and white mushrooms, spicy sausage, and a creamy, cheesy sauce creates a harmonious, irresistible dish.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mushrooms:

   • Clean the white button mushrooms by cutting off the stems. For the portobello mushrooms, wipe them clean with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Slice the portobellos into thin strips.

2. Prepare the Shallot and Sausage:

   • Peel and thinly slice the shallot. Remove the casing from the sausage and crumble the meat.

3. Cook the Mushrooms:

   • Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a whole garlic clove and a few sprigs of fresh basil. Allow the garlic to infuse the oil for a minute or two.
   • Add the sliced white mushrooms and cook them on high heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to brown slightly. Add salt and pepper to taste, then remove the garlic and basil.

4. Cook the Sausage:

   • In a separate pan, heat another drizzle of olive oil. Add the sliced shallot and the chili pepper. Sauté for a few minutes until the shallot softens.
   • Raise the heat and add the crumbled sausage. Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring frequently until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the chili pepper. Set aside.

5. Prepare the Béchamel Sauce:

   • In a small pot, melt 45g of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling, add the flour all at once, stirring with a whisk to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for about 1 minute to cook the flour.
   • Gradually add the hot milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Once the sauce thickens, remove from heat and stir in 150g of the grated Valtellina Casera cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fusilloni according to package directions, but be sure to undercook it by about 2 minutes (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the cooking water.

7. Assemble the Dish:

   • In a large skillet or baking dish, combine the cooked sausage and mushrooms. Add the undercooked pasta to the pan and mix everything together, adding a couple of ladles of pasta water to help the ingredients meld.
   • Stir in a small knob of butter to make the pasta extra creamy. Add the béchamel sauce and mix until everything is evenly coated.

8. Bake:

   • Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining grated Casera cheese and breadcrumbs. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (428°F) for 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. For an extra crispy top, switch to the grill setting for the last 5 minutes of baking.

9. Serve:

   • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of this hearty pasta bake!

Tips and Variations

• Mushroom Options: Feel free to mix different types of mushrooms based on availability or preference. Shiitake, cremini, or oyster mushrooms would also work well.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pasta, sausage, and mushroom mixture a day in advance, storing it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply bake it in the oven as directed.
• Cheese Variations: If Valtellina Casera isn’t available, you can substitute with any mild, melting cheese like Fontina or Gruyère.
• Add Vegetables: For added texture and flavor, try adding spinach or kale to the dish before baking.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This Baked Pasta with Mushrooms and Sausage is a true crowd-pleaser. With its combination of savory sausage, meaty mushrooms, and creamy cheese sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or as part of a larger meal, it will bring comfort and joy to your table!