introduction
One Pot Garlic Butter Sausage Mac and Cheese is a delightful dish that brings comfort food to a new level. This creamy and cheesy pasta is loaded with savory sausage and garlic, making it a perfect meal for any night of the week. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your delicious creation.
why make this recipe
This recipe is fantastic for busy individuals and families. It cooks quickly and uses minimal dishes, saving you both time and effort. The combination of garlic butter and sausage adds a rich flavor that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in some protein with the sausage while keeping the meal exciting and comforting.
how to make One Pot Garlic Butter Sausage Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sliced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Seasonings: onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
Directions:
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the sliced Italian sausage for about 5-7 minutes. When it’s cooked, remove it and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the elbow macaroni, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and both cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving.
how to serve One Pot Garlic Butter Sausage Mac and Cheese
Serve this dish warm, straight from the pot. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal. For a little extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, on top before serving.
how to store One Pot Garlic Butter Sausage Mac and Cheese
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to bring back its creamy texture.
tips to make One Pot Garlic Butter Sausage Mac and Cheese
- For extra flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage for a bit of heat.
- Feel free to mix different types of cheese based on your preference.
- Always taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking before serving.
- If you like a crunch, top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs before serving.
variation
You can add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for a healthier twist. Just toss them in while the pasta cooks to make it a complete meal.
FAQs
-
Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked sausage—just skip the browning step and add it directly with the broth. -
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. -
Can I add more cheese?
Yes, feel free to add more cheese to make it extra cheesy! -
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple side salad or some garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this meal. -
How do I reheat leftovers?
You can reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
One Pot Garlic Butter Sausage Mac and Cheese
A creamy and cheesy pasta dish loaded with savory sausage and garlic, made all in one pot for minimal mess and maximum flavor.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sliced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Seasonings: onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the sliced Italian sausage for about 5-7 minutes. When it’s cooked, remove it and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the elbow macaroni, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the cooked sausage and both cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Allow the dish to rest briefly before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider using spicy Italian sausage. Feel free to mix different types of cheese and always taste to adjust seasonings before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
