Sausage Pepper Mac N Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Sausage Pepper Mac N Cheese recipe, where savory Italian sausage, vibrant bell peppers, and creamy, three-cheese sauce come together to create a flavor-packed feast. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is tossed with browned sausage and sautéed peppers for a hearty burst of flavor, then enveloped in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. A rich bechamel base infused with garlic, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes adds a decadent touch, ensuring every bite is a creamy, cheesy delight. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family gatherings. Don’t forget to top it off with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan for an added layer of indulgence!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp paprika
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the sausage and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the diced bell peppers and onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove the vegetables and set them aside with the sausage.
Heat the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until melted. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture becomes bubbly. Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes, if using.
Mix the cooked macaroni, sausage, and sautéed vegetables into the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined and evenly coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan or fresh herbs, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1077 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 66.9 g | 86% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.1 g | 171% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 183 mg | 61% | |
| Sodium | 1502 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 74.9 g | 27% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.9 g | ||
| Protein | 44.1 g | 88% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.9 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 661 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 676 mg | 14% | |
*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.
