---
title: Pork Sausage Cavatappi Bake
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/pork-sausage-cavatappi-bake-5cf0363fb9565e000f6d30fe
servings: 2
prep time: 10 minutes
cook time: 25 minutes
time required: 35 minutes
difficulty: Easy
allergens:
  - Wheat
  - Milk
tags:
  - Pasta
  - Pork
  - Comfort Food
  - Oven
  - Quick
rating: 4.0
rating_count: 1300
source_chef: Recipe Development Team
review_highlights:
  - theme: Flavor
    text: The sausage adds incredible flavor, making this dish stand out from other cheesy pasta recipes.
  - theme: Portions
    text: This recipe yields a generous amount, perfect for those who love leftovers or feeding a crowd.
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/pork-sausage-cavatappi-bake.avif"
---
Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. Bring a #large pot{} of salted @water{} to a boil. Core, deseed, and thinly slice @green bell pepper{1%piece}.

Toss bell pepper on one side of a #baking sheet{} with a drizzle of @olive oil{3%tbsp} and a pinch of @salt{} and @black pepper{}. Add @italian pork sausage{2%links} to opposite side of sheet and drizzle with remaining olive oil. Roast on top rack until bell pepper is browned and tender and sausage is cooked through ~{25%minutes}.

Once water is boiling, add @cavatappi pasta{8%oz} to pot. Cook until al dente ~{9%minutes}. Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.

Melt @butter{2%tbsp} in pot used for pasta over medium-high heat. Stir in @flour{2%tbsp} and @garlic powder{1%tsp} and cook, stirring, ~{1%minute}. Slowly whisk in @milk{1%cup}, ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water, and @chicken stock concentrate{1%unit} until combined. Bring mixture to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in @pepper jack cheese{1%cup} until melted. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Once sausage is done, remove from oven and let cool slightly. Transfer to a cutting board and slice on a diagonal into ½-inch-thick pieces. Add to pot with sauce along with bell pepper and pasta. Stir, adding splashes of reserved pasta cooking water as needed, until creamy. Season generously with salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to an #8x8-inch baking dish{}.

Preheat broiler to high. In a #small bowl{}, combine @panko breadcrumbs{1%cup} and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle over pasta mixture. Broil on top rack until panko is golden brown ~{3%minutes}. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Drizzle with as much @hot sauce{1%tbsp} as you like and serve.