Tomato Mac and Cheese with Sausage Recipe

"Another favorite - and a different way to enjoy mac and cheese. This is so good and not difficult to prepare; and, with the added sausage ... it becomes a main dish. I say 'Sausage,' but have fun with whatever sausage you enjoy. I prefer a sundried chicken or turkey sausage, or even a feta chicken sausage - but, there are so many unique flavors these days, have fun trying a few different ones. You can always use the traditional Italian (mild or spicy) sausage."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Sausage ... I prefer to cook my sausage before adding it to the pasta. Bring a saute pan to medium heat and add the olive oil and sausages, whole at this point. Cook them slowly until lightly golden brown (about 5 minutes); they will continue cooking in the oven. Remove from the heat and set to the side. Once cool, slice in 1/2" slices on an angle. Make sure to save the drippings in the pan.

Step 2

Onion, Peppers and Garlic ... Add to that same pan with the drippings from the sausages - the onion, peppers and garlic and saute 2-3 minutes until tender on medium heat.

Step 3

Pasta ... As the sausage and the vegetables cook, prepare the pasta in plenty of salted water according to package directions. Cook a minute or two under, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Drain, and transfer to a casserole dish (9x13" or similar size) sprayed with a non-stick spray.

Step 4

Top the pasta with the cooked onions, peppers, and garlic mixture, as well as the sliced sausage. Gently mix to combine.

Step 5

Sauce ... Then again ... in that same pan (no need to dirty another pan, just wipe it clean); add 2 cups of the milk and butter and bring to medium heat. Once it comes up to a light boil, move off to the side and slowly add in the cheese and mix well - adding a little at a time. Return to the heat and mix well. Then, in a small cup, add the remaining milk and corn starch and mix to combine. Slowly add to the cheese sauce and mix until the sauce thickens, just a minute or two.

Step 6

Pour over the pasta and sausage and gently toss to combine.

Step 7

Finish ... Top with the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese; cover with foil and and bake 20 minutes on the middle shelf at 350 degrees. Then remove the foil and bake another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.