Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Feel free to swap out the Italian sausage for a plant-based alternative if you prefer, and if sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your thing, roasted red peppers make a lovely substitute.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the tomato mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, sausage, and cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing until everything is well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with additional mozzarella cheese, if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil and serving.
As you prepare this dish, remember that cooking is an act of love. Let each step be a moment of joy, much like the times I spent with my abuela in her kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International