Cheesy Pasta and Sausage
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Pasta and Sausage recipe, a hearty, flavor-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. This one-pan wonder combines tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious homemade cheese sauce crafted with cheddar and Parmesan for the perfect balance of creaminess and tang. A hint of garlic, a touch of red pepper flakes, and a garnish of fresh parsley elevate the flavors, making every bite irresistible. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is satisfying. Whether you prefer mild or spicy sausage, this customizable dish is sure to become a family favorite! Keywords: cheesy pasta, sausage pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick comfort food, dinner recipe.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until it begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add the cooked pasta and sausage back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta and sausage evenly.
Serve the cheesy pasta and sausage immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3051 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 192.4 g | 247% | |
| Saturated Fat | 93.3 g | 466% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 566 mg | 189% | |
| Sodium | 6277 mg | 273% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 157.1 g | 57% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.4 g | 26% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.2 g | ||
| Protein | 170.2 g | 340% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2812 mg | 216% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 2009 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
