Delicious Pork Sausage Noodles

If you ask me, pork sausage noodles are a weeknight dinner superstar.

This comforting Asian-inspired dish brings together springy noodles and savory ground pork sausage in a way that just makes sense. The tender meat gets browned until slightly crispy, while the noodles soak up all those good flavors.

It’s mixed with fresh green onions and a simple sauce that hits all the right notes – a little salty, a little sweet, with just enough heat to keep things interesting. A handful of crunchy bean sprouts adds the perfect finishing touch.

It’s the kind of no-fuss meal that makes everyone at the table happy, perfect for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying but quick.

What Kind of Pork Sausage Should I Use?

For this noodle dish, you’ve got several tasty options when it comes to pork sausage. Plain ground pork sausage (sometimes labeled as country-style or breakfast sausage) works great as a base, but Italian sausage – either mild or hot – can add an extra layer of flavor with its blend of fennel and other seasonings. If you’re buying sausage in casings, simply remove the meat from the casings before cooking. Just avoid pre-cooked or smoked sausages for this recipe, as they won’t break down and incorporate into the sauce as well as fresh sausage will. When shopping, look for sausage that’s pink in color and has a good mix of lean meat and fat – this will give you the best flavor and texture in your finished dish.

Options for Substitutions

This comforting noodle dish is pretty adaptable – here’s what you can swap if needed:

• Egg noodles: While egg noodles give the best texture, you can use other pasta like fettuccine or penne. Just cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• Pork sausage: Feel free to use turkey sausage for a lighter option, or even ground beef or chicken. If using plain ground meat, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to make up for the missing sausage flavors.
• Mushrooms: Not a fan of mushrooms? Skip them or replace with diced bell peppers or celery for that extra texture and flavor.
• Milk: Any milk works here – from whole to skim, or even non-dairy options like unsweetened almond or oat milk. Just note that whole milk will give you the creamiest sauce.
• Cheddar cheese: You can swap cheddar with monterey jack, colby, or even mozzarella. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Breadcrumbs: Out of breadcrumbs? Crush some crackers, potato chips, or even cornflakes. You can also use panko for extra crunch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The most common mistake when making pork sausage noodles is overcooking the egg noodles – they should be just al dente since they’ll continue cooking when baked with the sauce, so aim for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions suggest. When making the sauce, rushing the flour-butter mixture (roux) can lead to lumps or a raw flour taste, so take your time and cook it for at least 2-3 minutes until it smells slightly nutty. Another crucial point is to gradually add your liquids while constantly whisking – dumping all the milk and stock at once can result in a lumpy sauce that won’t smooth out no matter how much you whisk. For the best texture, avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy – instead, buy a block of cheddar and grate it yourself just before using.

What to Serve With Pork Sausage Noodles?

Since this dish is rich and hearty with its creamy sauce and pasta, I like to balance it out with some simple veggie sides. A basic roasted broccoli or green beans with just olive oil and salt lets the main dish shine while adding some color to your plate. If you’re feeling extra hungry, a crusty piece of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce (because trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!). For a quick and easy option, toss together a simple side salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette – it adds a nice fresh crunch that complements the warm, cozy noodles.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These creamy pork sausage noodles will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The sauce might thicken up a bit, but don’t worry – that’s totally normal! If you’re meal prepping, this dish is perfect since it holds up well for several days.

Freeze: Want to save some for later? Let the noodles cool completely, then pop them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, but they’ll come back together when reheated properly.

Reheat: To warm up your noodles, add a splash of milk or chicken stock and heat slowly in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If you’re reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	30-40 minutes
Total Time	45-60 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2000
• Protein: 85-95 g
• Fat: 100-110 g
• Carbohydrates: 150-160 g

Ingredients

• 12 ounces of egg noodles (extra wide recommended)
• 1 package (16 ounces) of pork sausage
• 1/2 chopped medium yellow onion
• 1 cup chopped mushrooms
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1/2 cup plain flour
• 1 cup milk of choice
• 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• A few turns of freshly-ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2/3 cup breadcrumbs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Once boiling, cook the egg noodles just shy of al dente, following the package directions.

Drain the noodles and set them aside for later use.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Onion

While the noodles are cooking, add sausage and onion to a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring and breaking the sausage into crumbles, until the onion is tender and the sausage is browned.

Transfer the mixture to a paper towel-lined plate using a large spoon or spatula.

If needed, drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Make the Mushroom Sauce

In the same skillet, melt some butter over medium heat.

Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for about 3 minutes.

Stir in the flour and cook for another minute.

Gradually whisk in the milk and broth, seasoning the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked sausage and onion mixture to the skillet, followed by the cheese and cooked egg noodles.

Stir everything together well to combine.

Remove the pan from the heat and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top to create a crispy crust.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Once done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven, serve, and enjoy your delicious homemade noodle bake!