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Italian mac and cheese in a white skillet next to a striped kitchen linen.

Italian Mac and Cheese

Italian mac and cheese is a delicious cross between spaghetti and mac and cheese, and it makes a great weeknight dinner!
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: Italian Mac and Cheese, Italian mac and cheese recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Resting: 5 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 520kcal
Author: Kate

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 12 ounces uncooked cavatappi
  • 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella divided
  • Kosher salt

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage, stirring to break it up, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. If there's quite a bit of grease, drain the grease and return the sausage to the pan.
  • Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic and cook, stirring the entire time, for 30 seconds.
  • Add cavatappi, marinara, broth, and Italian seasoning, and stir in.
  • Bring liquid to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until pasta is al dente and almost all liquid has been absorbed, about 15-20 minutes. If the liquid starts to evaporate before the pasta cooks, add more broth as needed.
  • Stir in cream and simmer until mostly absorbed, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, and stir in half of mozzarella.
  • Top with remaining mozzarella, and cover to let the cheese melt, about 5 minutes.
  • Season with kosher salt, if desired, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley just before serving.

Notes

  • Italian sausage: You can use sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage. You can also use Italian sausage with the casings removed.
  • Cavatappi: Feel free to substitute another shape of pasta, like ziti, penne, or rotini.
  • Marinara sauce: Choose any sauce that you like.
  • Mozzarella: Or use an Italian cheese blend.
  • Nutrition values are estimates. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 520kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 1035mg | Potassium: 657mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 714IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 3mg