Italian Macaroni & Cheese

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Servings: 6 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A savory, hearty casserole combining creamy macaroni with Italian sausage, mushrooms, and herbs
Italian Macaronie & Cheese recipe image
Italian Macaronie & Cheese recipe image
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Italian Macaroni & Cheese

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6 Calories: 1075.8

Description

This Italian Macaroni & Cheese is a savory, comfort-food classic that swaps traditional sweetness for robust, aromatic flavors. The dish features elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce infused with oregano and basil. It is packed with savory Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and caramelized onions, creating a complex flavor profile. Topped with a blend of Parmesan and Jack cheese, it bakes to a golden, bubbly perfection. This hearty one-dish meal is ideal for family dinners or potlucks, offering a satisfying texture and deep, savory taste that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C).
  2. Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, cook crumbled Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned. Lift sausage out with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan.
  4. Add butter, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet drippings. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft and liquid has evaporated.
  5. Stir flour into the vegetable mixture and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, about 3 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in the cooked sausage, drained macaroni, oregano, basil, salt, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to coat the pasta.
  8. Transfer half of the macaroni mixture into a buttered 2.5-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining sausage evenly over the top.
  9. Layer the remaining macaroni mixture over the sausage, then top with shredded Jack cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the center is heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1075.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 59.9g93%
Saturated Fat 28.5g143%
Cholesterol 131.2mg44%
Sodium 3623.3mg151%
Total Carbohydrate 86.5g29%
Dietary Fiber 5.9g24%
Sugars 10.6g
Protein 47.9g96%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: italian, macaroni, cheese, sausage, mushrooms, casserole, comfort food, pasta bake, herbs, oregano, basil, parmesan, jack cheese, onion, garlic, comforting, hearty, dinner, family meal
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