Are you ready for some major comfort food? Pasta is definitely a comfort food to me and this dish is up there in my top favorite pastas. I started making this years ago when Rachel Ray was just getting popular and everyone was in love with her. I must say that I've tried many many of her recipes and pretty much hated most of them but this one was exceptional. This is one of her "30 Minute Meals" too which makes it even better! Honestly, though, it only takes 30 minutes IF you have everything chopped and prepped before you start. So misleading! Italian sausage, mushrooms, creamy sauce, tomatoes, cheese...mmmm!!! I love how the parmesan gets crispy on the top. Ben and I fight over the crunchiest pieces! I looked up this recipe on the net just for ease of putting it on the blog but it's been changed a little. I wouldn't change a thing so I am giving you the original version. This is the perfect meal for a cold winter night!
ITALIAN MAC-N-CHEESE
Source: Rachel Ray
1 lb Penne pasta
1 lb bulk Italian sausage (not the sweet kind!)
2 TB Extra virgin olive oil
1 TB butter
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
12 fresh button or baby portabello mushrooms
Salt and Pepper
2 TB all purpose flour
1 C chicken stock or broth
1 C heavy cream
8 oz shredded Italian 4 Cheese Blend cheese
1 can (15 oz) plain diced tomatoes, drained
3/4 C parmesan cheese
Cook pasta 9 minutes or until it is al dente (not quite done). Brown and crumble sausage, drain, set aside. Add EVOO to the same pan over medium heat and add butter, garlic, and mushrooms. Season with S&P liberally. Saute 3-5 minutes until mushrooms are golden brown. Add a little more olive oil if the mixture gets too dry while browning. Preheat broiler to high. Add flour and stir to make a roux. Whisk in chicken stock and heavy cream. Bring to a bubble then stir in half of the cheese blend. When cheese melts, add tomatoes. When sauce boils add pasta and sausage then transfer to a baking dish. (9x13) Add remaining cheese and grated parmesan to the top. Cook until browned. This will only take about 5-10 min on top rack under broiler so keep an eye on it. Serves 6-8
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