Name: Italian Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 lb. Italian sausage (hot or sweet), casings removed; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 12 oz. cavatappi; 1 (16-oz.) jar marinara; 4 c. low-sodium chicken broth; Kosher salt; 1/4 c. half-and-half or heavy cream; 2 c. shredded mozzarella, divided; Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

Step 1Preheat oven to 350° In a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until seared and no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook, stirring, until soft, 5 minutes more.

Step 2Add cavatappi and stir until coated, then pour over marinara and broth and season with salt. Bring liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until pasta is al dente and almost all liquid has been absorbed, about 25 minutes.

Step 3Stir in half-and-half and simmer until mostly absorbed, 2 minutes more. Remove from heat and stir in half of mozzarella.

Step 4Transfer mixture to a large baking dish and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Bake until cheese is bubbly and golden, about 10 minutes.

Step 5Garnish with parsley before serving.