Italian Macaronie And Cheese

This Italian Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting, savory casserole that transforms a classic comfort food into a robust meal. Combining tender elbow macaroni with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this dish is elevated with the zesty addition of browned Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, creating a bubbly, golden-topped dish that is both satisfying and flavorful. Its perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering a delicious alternative to traditional American mac and cheese. Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels homemade and hearty, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Cooking Method: Baking

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 6

Calories: 657.6

Description

This Italian Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting, savory casserole that transforms a classic comfort food into a robust meal. Combining tender elbow macaroni with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this dish is elevated with the zesty addition of browned Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, and aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, creating a bubbly, golden-topped dish that is both satisfying and flavorful. Its perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering a delicious alternative to traditional American mac and cheese. Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels homemade and hearty, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

9 ounce Elbow macaroni
1/4 cup Flour
3/4 pound Mild or hot Italian sausage
2 cup Milk
2 tablespoon Butter or margarine
1 Large Onion, chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, minced
1/2 pound Thinly sliced mushrooms
1 1/2 cup Shredded Jack cheese
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
1 1/2 teaspoon Dry basil
1/2 cup Chopped red or green peppers

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 400F (200C).
2
Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet or 10-inch pan, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat, crumbling it with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
4
Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pan.
5
Add butter and chopped onion to the pan drippings; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft and translucent.
6
Add minced garlic, chopped peppers, and mushrooms to the pan; cook until mushrooms are soft and any released liquid has evaporated.
7
Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
8
Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form, and continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
9
Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and Parmesan cheese into the sauce.
10
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.
11
Place half of the macaroni mixture into a buttered 2.5-quart baking dish.
12
Sprinkle the cooked sausage evenly over the macaroni layer.
13
Top with the remaining macaroni mixture.
14
Sprinkle shredded Jack cheese over the top layer.
15
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the center is hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 657.6kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 27.8g43%
Saturated Fat 8.7g44%
Cholesterol 50.5mg17%
Sodium 847.9mg36%
Total Carbohydrate 64.9g22%
Dietary Fiber 4.6g19%
Sugars 2.9g
Protein 36.8g74%

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

Note

For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of skim or reduced-fat milk.

You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey if preferred.

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk before baking.

Keywords: italian, macaroni, cheese, sausage, mushrooms, casserole, comfort food, oven-baked, herbs, garlic, onion, oregano, basil, jack cheese, parmesan, dinner, family meal, hearty, creamy, savory

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/italian-macaronie-and-cheese/