Italian-Style Macaroni & Cheese
Description
This Italian-Style Macaroni & Cheese transforms the classic comfort dish into a savory, vegetable-packed main course. By combining tender elbow macaroni with crumbled Italian sausage, onions, garlic, bell peppers, and mushrooms, you get a robust flavor profile that goes beyond simple cheese sauce. The creamy sauce, enriched with Parmesan and Provolone, coats every bite, while dried oregano and basil add authentic Italian aromatics. It is the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck contribution that feels both home-style and sophisticated.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400F (204C).
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Cook the macaroni in boiling water according to package directions until al dente; drain thoroughly.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook until well browned.
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Lift sausage out of pan with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
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Discard all but 2 tablespoons of the sausage drippings from the skillet.
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To the remaining drippings, add the butter and chopped onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is limp and translucent.
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Add the minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms; cook until the mushrooms are soft and liquid has evaporated.
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Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly to cook out the raw flour taste.
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Gradually stir in the milk to make a smooth sauce, cooking and stirring constantly until thickened, about 3 minutes.
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Remove from heat and stir in the oregano, basil, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese.
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Fold in the cooked sausage and drained macaroni; stir to combine well.
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Transfer the mixture to a greased 2.5 to 3-quart baking dish.
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Sprinkle the shredded Provolone cheese evenly over the top.
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Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 758.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 39.2g61%
- Saturated Fat 12.7g64%
- Cholesterol 94.0mg32%
- Sodium 1402.0mg59%
- Total Carbohydrate 40.5g14%
- Dietary Fiber 2.3g10%
- Sugars 1.6g
- Protein 55.9g112%
* 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
If refrigerating the assembled casserole before cooking, increase baking time to about 35 minutes or until the center of the casserole is hot and bubbly.
You can substitute shredded Jack cheese for the Provolone if preferred.
For extra flavor, consider using a mix of mild and hot Italian sausage.
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