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Sausage Mac and Cheese

Sausage Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 610
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Brown the sausage, breaking it up, for about 7 minutes. Remove ⅓ cup of the browned sausage and set it aside for topping.
  2. Add onion to the pan and cook 3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds, then add milk, broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  3. Stir in the dry macaroni and cook at a low simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, about 9 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from heat. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella a handful at a time until melted and smooth. Fold the reserved sausage (except the garnish portion) back into the mac.
  5. Spoon into bowls, top with the crispy sausage bits, and serve immediately.

Notes

This mac and cheese is best served right away while the sauce is silky. If you need to hold it, keep it covered over very low heat and stir in an extra splash of milk before serving.