Looking for a simple yet flavorful weeknight meal? You’ve come to the right place! Think of this as an upgraded version of hot dogs and mac and cheese—swap out the hot dogs for smoked sausage, the cheddar for mozzarella, and add a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This Smoked Sausage & Mozzarella Pasta will turn your ordinary weeknight dinner into something extra special.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 2 lbs Smoked Sausage, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 lbs Rigatoni Pasta
- 1 tbsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tbsp Parsley Flakes
For the Mozzarella Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 4 tbsp Flour
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
INSTRUCTIONS
- Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook until lightly browned, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the rigatoni to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, keeping it off the heat.
- For the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder. Once melted, add the flour and cook for 3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the salt and paprika. Add the mozzarella cheese, one handful at a time, whisking until fully melted. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another two minutes.
- Add the cooked sausage and cheese sauce to the pot of pasta. Stir until well-coated.
- Serve topped with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and parsley for extra flavor.
