Description
Indulge in this Creamy Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese, a delightful blend of smoky flavors and cheesy goodness. This comforting dish combines tender elbow macaroni with sautéed smoked sausage in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. It’s the perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until melted and creamy. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni and sautéed sausage to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine until everything is well coated.
- (Optional) Add Breadcrumbs: If desired, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a bit of crunch, consider adding panko breadcrumbs on top before broiling.
- Feel free to customize the cheeses by using your favorites.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a quick meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop and Broiler
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Creamy Smoked Sausage Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe