Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of one skillet smoky cajun sausage cheese mac to wrap you in a cozy embrace after a long day. Seriously, this dish is a hug in a bowl! The hearty combination of pasta, smoky sausage, and gooey cheese makes for a comforting meal that just hits the spot every single time. I love how it all comes together in one skillet—less mess, more flavor! Plus, it’s so quick to whip up, and I can customize it with whatever veggies I have on hand. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner too!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni (I love using elbow macaroni for that perfect bite!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing those delicious veggies and sausage)
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced (this adds that smoky flavor that’s just irresistible!)
- 1 onion, diced (adds a sweet and savory base)
- 1 bell pepper, diced (I usually go for green or red, but use what you have!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better, right?)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to your taste; I like it spicy!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (this really enriches the flavor of the pasta)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the more, the merrier—feel free to mix it up with other cheeses too!)
- 1 cup milk (for creaminess that ties it all together)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this step; it really elevates the dish!)
How to Prepare One Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage Cheese Mac
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
First things first, let’s get that macaroni cooking! Boil a pot of salted water and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes until it’s al dente. You want it to have a little bite to it since it’ll cook a bit more later. Once done, drain and set aside. Easy peasy!
Step 2: Sauté the Ingredients
Now, grab your large skillet and heat that olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the sliced smoked sausage, diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Oh, the smell of that sizzling sausage and veggies is just divine! Cook everything for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are tender. Don’t rush this step; let those flavors mingle and develop!
Step 3: Season and Combine
Next up, it’s time to add some zing! Stir in the Cajun seasoning and give it a good mix. Then, pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. This is where all that wonderful flavor starts to come together!
Step 4: Final Mixture
Alright, let’s finish this off! Add the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk to the skillet. Stir it all together until the cheese melts and everything becomes a creamy, dreamy mixture. It should take just a couple of minutes; you want it to be thick and luscious. If it’s too thick, feel free to splash in a bit more milk until you reach that perfect consistency!
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Finally, it’s time to give it a taste! Season with salt and pepper to your liking—I always add a little pinch more because I love that flavor pop! Serve it hot, and watch everyone dig in. This dish is just begging to be enjoyed, so get ready for some happy faces around the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- All made in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy!
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for a filling weeknight dinner.
- Rich, smoky flavors from the sausage that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Customizable with any veggies you have on hand, making it a versatile dish.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please the whole family!
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy it again the next day.
Tips for Success
- Cooking Times: Keep an eye on your macaroni; cooking it just until al dente ensures it won’t get mushy when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Adjusting the Heat: If you like it spicier, feel free to add a bit more Cajun seasoning or even a dash of hot sauce when you mix everything together. It really amps up the flavor!
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t hesitate to throw in extra veggies like spinach, zucchini, or even diced tomatoes. They not only add nutrition but also bring in some wonderful freshness to the dish.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic, mixing in some pepper jack or gouda can give your mac a fun twist. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combo!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it’s too thick.
- One Skillet Wonder: Make sure to use a large skillet to give everything enough room to cook evenly. A bit of space helps those flavors develop perfectly!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data for one serving of this delicious one skillet smoky cajun sausage cheese mac. It’s packed with flavor and surprisingly well-balanced!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
These values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but this gives you a great idea of what to expect. Enjoy every cheesy, smoky bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of sausage?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this one skillet smoky cajun sausage cheese mac is its versatility. You can definitely swap out the smoked sausage for other types like chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even andouille for that authentic Cajun kick. Just keep in mind that different sausages may bring varying flavors, so choose one that you love!
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you’re looking to turn up the heat, you’re in luck! You can easily spice things up by adding extra Cajun seasoning or even a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Just remember to taste as you go—you want that perfect balance of flavor and heat!
Can leftovers be frozen?
You bet! This dish freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to bring back that creamy texture. Perfect for those busy nights when you want a quick meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your one skillet smoky cajun sausage cheese mac is super easy, and I promise it’ll taste just as good when you reheat it! If you have any leftovers (which can be a challenge because it’s so delicious), let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, but I doubt it’ll last that long!
When it comes to reheating, there are a couple of great methods. The microwave is the quickest option—just scoop out a portion, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy, and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s heated through. If you want to bring back that creamy goodness, the stovetop is my favorite method. Just add the mac to a skillet over low heat, add a little milk, and stir gently until warmed up. This way, you can avoid any drying out, and it’ll taste almost as good as when you first made it!
So, get ready to enjoy those leftovers, because they’re going to be just as comforting and satisfying the next day!
Print
One Skillet Smoky Cajun Sausage Cheese Mac: Cozy Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
One skillet smoky cajun sausage cheese mac is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines pasta, sausage, and cheese in one pan.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add smoked sausage, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until sausage is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and add cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, and milk.
- Stir until cheese is melted and mixture is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or tomatoes.
- Adjust the level of Cajun seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: one skillet smoky cajun sausage cheese mac