Description
A comforting one-pot meal that combines the rich creaminess of cheese with the hearty taste of sausage, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 pound ground sausage (Italian or smoked, crumbled)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the macaroni and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika and garlic powder, mixing well. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Lower the heat and mix in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mustard powder (if using), stirring until all the cheese melts. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked macaroni and sausage back into the skillet, tossing to coat everything in the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer to serving bowls, garnish with parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For extra nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg