Weeknight • Pasta
Hearty Sausage and Broccoli Mac & Cheese
A comforting, grown-up mac and cheese with savory sausage and tender broccoli florets, making it a complete meal.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Servings
- 6
- Level
- Weeknight
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Elevate your mac and cheese game with this Hearty Sausage and Broccoli Mac & Cheese! It's creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory sausage and tender broccoli, transforming a classic side dish into a satisfying one-bowl meal. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients
Yield: 6 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small head broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or other small pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, but adds depth)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend)
Preparation
Step 1
Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat and set sausage aside.
Step 3
In the same skillet (no need to clean), melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Step 4
Gradually whisk in milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 5
Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheese in handfuls, stirring until fully melted and smooth before adding more. Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6
Stir in the cooked macaroni, browned sausage, and broccoli florets. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until everything is heated through and broccoli is tender-crisp. Serve immediately.
Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor; pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents.
- Blanching the broccoli for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the skillet can ensure it's perfectly tender.
- For a crispy topping, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
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