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+ servings
Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese Pasta

Indulgent Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese Pasta for Comfort

A creamy and comforting dish of Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese Pasta that satisfies all cravings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni or Small Pasta Shells Substitute with penne or rotini if desired.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Can use margarine or plant-based butter for dairy-free.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
  • 2 cups Milk Whole milk recommended; reduced-fat or non-dairy alternatives work.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Can substitute medium cheddar or vegan cheese.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Monterey Jack or non-dairy alternatives can be used.
  • 1 cup Gouda Cheese Provolone or another melting cheese can replace.
For the Flavor
  • 12 ounces Smoked Sausage Can use Italian sausage, chorizo, or turkey sausage.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to spice preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Season to taste.
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley Optional for garnish.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. Add pasta, cooking according to package instructions (about 7-9 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add sliced smoked sausage. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until browned and aromatic. Remove sausage and cover to keep warm.
  3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until bubbly. Stir in all-purpose flour, whisking for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. Reduce heat to low and add sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda cheeses gradually, stirring until melted and creamy. Do not let it boil.
  5. Gently fold the cooked pasta and sautéed sausage into the cheese sauce, coating thoroughly. Season with garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to desired consistency.
  6. Serve warm, optionally garnish with chopped parsley. For a crispy finish, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Cook pasta until 'al dente' to prevent mushiness. Use fresh cheese for better flavor and taste as you go for seasoning adjustments. Add vegetables for extra nutrition if desired.

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