Key Takeaways
The chicken sausage macaroni recipe involves cooking macaroni pasta and slicing chicken sausage links to then combine together in a skillet with onion, garlic, heavy cream or milk and shredded cheese. Once mixed, the recipe is baked until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Chicken Sausage Macaroni Casserole Recipe
This casual weeknight recipe hits the spot with familiar flavors and minimal effort. Macaroni pasta tossed with chicken sausage, vegetables and cheese creates a comforting casserole the whole family is sure to love. The ingredients simply come together for a hearty meal you can feel good about serving your loved ones.Ingredients
- 1 lb MACARONI OR PENNE PASTA
- 1 lb CHICKEN SAUSAGE, casings removed and crumbled
- 1 cup SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE
- 1 cup SHREDDED MONTEREY JACK CHEESE
- 2 cups DICED TOMATOES, drained
- 1/2 cup GREEN ONIONS, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups CHICKEN BROTH
- 3 tbsp BUTTER
- 1/4 cup ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
- 1/2 tsp SALT
- 1/4 tsp BLACK PEPPER
- PAPRIKA FOR SPRINKLING
Instructions
- PREHEAT oven to 350°F and butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. SET aside.
- IN a large pot of boiling salted water, COOK pasta until AL DENTE. DRain and SET aside.
- IN a skillet over medium heat, COOK crumbled chicken sausage until no longer pink. SET aside.
- IN the same skillet, MELT butter. WHISK in flour and cook for 1 minute. WHISK in chicken broth. BRING to a boil then REMOVE from heat.
- IN the prepared baking dish, TOSS together the cooked pasta, chicken sausage, shredded cheeses, tomatoes and green onions. POUR sauce over top and STIR gently to coat.
- BAKE uncovered for 25 minutes, until TOP is GOLDEN BROWN and CHEESE is melted.
- ALLOW to stand for 5 minutes before serving. SPRINKLE with additional paprika. Enjoy!
I hope you and your family dig into this cozy chicken sausage macaroni casserole soon. Don’t be afraid to adjust the ingredients to your liking – you really can’t go wrong with this formula of protein, carbs and cheese. Bon appétit!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HISXkib7tvY
Credit : Erin Alvarez
Tips for Best Chicken Sausage Macaroni
When cooking up a batch of this comforting casserole, taking a little extra care with ingredients and techniques makes all the difference. These tried-and-true strategies I’ve picked up over time are sure to take your chicken sausage macaroni to the next level.
Selecting Ingredients
Choosing quality components well-suited to this dish lays the groundwork for success. In my experience…
- Use high quality chicken sausage for optimal flavor
- Choose pasta shape that holds sauce well (penne or macaroni)
- Select flavorful cheeses like cheddar and Monterey jack
- Look for ripe tomatoes with bright color and sweet smel
Cooking Methods
With a few simple adjustments to the traditional cooking method, you can achieve peak flavor and texture. My recommendations are to…
- Boil pasta until tender but still firm to avoid mushiness
- Cook sausage thoroughly to ensure it’s no longer pink
- Gently stir ingredients together rather than mixing roughly
- Bake long enough for flavors to blend but not dry out
Timing Tips
Refer to this table for helpful pointers to keep your timing on track throughout the process. With practice…
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Boil pasta | 8-10 minutes |
| Cook sausage | 6-8 minutes |
| Bake casserole | 25-30 minutes |
- Prepare ingredients ahead of time for easy assembly
- Allow casserole to sit before serving to allow flavors to meld
- Freeze leftovers for quick reheating another night
Presentation Pointers
Taking a few minutes to finish this casserole with flair makes it extra special. I love…
- Serve casserole piping hot straight from the oven
- Garnish with chopped parsley or paprika for color
- Accompany with crusty bread to soak up creamy sauce
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the microwave
I hope these tried-and-true techniques inspire you to create your best chicken sausage macaroni yet. Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Benefits of Use Chicken Sausage
Chicken sausage is a delicious addition to meals that also offers some key health advantages over other types of sausage. In learning about chicken sausage’s benefits, I hope you’ll be inspired to try new recipes and flavors.
Nutritional Value
When considering nutrition, chicken sausage is certainly one of the better sausage options. Some interesting facts I’ve learned about its nutrient profile include…
- High in PROTEIN and low in FAT compared to red meat (1)
- A good SOURCE OF VITAMINS like B3, B6, and selenium
- WEIGHT MANAGEMENT-friendly due to lean meat and filling fiber
Versatility
The flexibility of cooking with chicken sausage has made it a favourite ingredient of mine. From what I’ve experienced…
- Can use in place of other MEATS in recipes like pastas, skillet dishes
- ADAPTS to a variety of COOKING METHODS like baking, grilling, sauteing
- MIXES well with FLAVORS like tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach
Convenience
Not only does chicken sausage add great taste, but it brings ease to the kitchen, too. I find that aspects like…
- READY-TO-EAT straight from package or lightly cooked (2)
- SAVES TIME BY NOT REQUIRING butchering or marinating
- KEEPS WELL in fridge or freezer for quick meal solutions (3)
Whether you’re looking to eat a bit lighter or simply expand your recipe options, chicken sausage deserves a spot in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to experiment – I’m sure you’ll discover many delicious ways to enjoy it.
Conclusion
I hope this definitive guide to chicken sausage macaroni has inspired you to enjoy this comforting classic while also learning some new ways to take your recipes to the next level! Whether you’re focused on nutrition, convenience, flavor or all of the above, chicken sausage brings a versatile ingredient to your meals that can become a new favorite for weekday dinners or casual gatherings alike. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pasta shapes, vegetables, cheeses or cooking methods – the easy formula in this recipe allows for plenty of creativity. With some practice implementing the selection, assembly and presentation techniques discussed, I’m certain your chicken sausage macaroni dishes will become the talk of the dinner table for many meals to come. As always, please let me know if you have any other questions! Now I think it’s time we ALL dug in – I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. Bon appétit!Please leave a comment below with your favorite tips or variations for making chicken sausage macaroni – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
References
- https://facts.net/chicken-sausage-nutrition-facts/
- https://therecipediaries.com/how-to-cook-chicken-sausage/
- https://tasteofartisan.com/homemade-chicken-sausage/
Related Article
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-and-pasta/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/how-to-ground-chicken-sausage/
- https://milkwoodrestaurant.com/chicken-sausage-health-benefits-nutrition/
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I’m Mary R. Q. , a seasoned professional chef dedicated to elevating home cooking experiences. Through my expertise in the culinary arts, I provide practical cooking tips and insightful reviews of kitchen utensils on my blog, milkwoodrestaurant.com. As a passionate advocate for transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary adventures, I aim to empower home cooks with the knowledge and tools they need to create delicious and memorable dishes. I’m also an author of the book “1,001 Kitchen Tips & Tricks: Helpful Hints for Cooking, Baking, and Cleaning (1,001 Tips & Tricks)” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a flavorful journey as we explore the art of cooking and the essential tools that make it a joy.
