Polish Pasta Bake

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Layer the Bake: In a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish, layer half of the pasta, half of the sauerkraut, half of the kielbasa slices, and half of the Swiss cheese. Pour half of the sauce over the layer.
5. Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauerkraut, kielbasa, cheese, and sauce.
6. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld. Slice and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of this Polish-inspired casserole.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Medium

Variations & Substitutions

• Swap penne with elbow macaroni or rigatoni for a slightly different texture.
• Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Substitute smoked sausage with kielbasa turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
• Use sharp cheddar or Gruyère instead of Swiss cheese for a bolder taste.

Serving Suggestions