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Sausage Mac and Cheese with Peppers and Onions

Sausage Mac and Cheese with Peppers and Onions
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This Sausage Mac and Cheese with Peppers and Onions is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dinner dish combining tender elbow macaroni, savory Italian sausage, melted sharp cheddar cheese, and the sweetness of sautéed bell peppers and onions. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or family gatherings, it’s an easy one-pot recipe ready in under 30 minutes that delivers a rich, hearty, and satisfying experience everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Meat

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow or white onion

Dairy and Sauce

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 2 tbsp butter

Seasonings

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
  2. Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Sauté the Peppers and Onions: Add chopped bell peppers and onions to the skillet with the sausage fat. Cook until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, whisk in the milk and garlic powder. Slowly stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, then add the drained macaroni. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy sauce and the sausage and veggies are well distributed. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Sausage Mac and Cheese with Peppers and Onions hot, garnished with fresh herbs or spices of choice.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for the perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; keeping it al dente helps maintain texture after combining with the sauce.
  • Brown the sausage thoroughly to add depth of flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
  • Sauté peppers and onions slowly to bring out their natural sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Sausage mac and cheese, creamy pasta, comfort food, quick dinner, one-pot meal, cheesy pasta, peppers and onions

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/sausage-mac-and-cheese-with-peppers-and-onions/