Spicy Smoked Sausage Alfredo Bake

Hello, again!  Spicy smoked sausage alfredo bake...doesn't that sound good?  This is a scrumptious and filling meal I think most people will like.  It is also quick and, best of all, HOMEMADE.  You can choose any kind of pasta, although I recommend penne, shells, elbow macaroni or rotini.  If you are not a fan of smoked sausages, I'm sure this recipe would be great with grilled chicken.  My favorite part is the homemade alfredo sauce...that's right, homemade! This sauce is so easy to make and taste delicious.  You'll never want to buy that jarred alfredo sauce ever again.  So, let's get to cooking!

Spicy Smoked Sausage Alfredo Bake
Prep Time: 15 minutes 
Cook Time: 5 minutes

• 16oz pasta, of your choice
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups half & half
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• ground parsley, sprinkle or 1-2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
• 1 (14oz) smoked sausage, fully cooked, any variety

 

Cook the pasta according to package instructions and then drain.  I have chosen penne pasta.

 

For the sausage, you can use any variety of fully cooked sausage.  I am using a kielbasa.

 

 While the pasta is cooking, slice your fully cooked smoked sausage into 1/4 inch pieces.  Set aside.  

 

Next comes the best part, in my opinion...the homemade alfredo sauce.  It is named for its creator, Alfredo Di Lelio I, who lived in Rome, Italy and opened and ran restaurants there during the early to mid 20th century. 

 

In a skillet, melt the butter on medium heat. 

Add the minced garlic.  Yum!  I love garlic and the smell of it cooking in my house.  Stir the butter and garlic for approximately 2 minutes to thoroughly cook the garlic.  

 

Whisk in the chicken broth and all purpose flour until smooth.

 

Then, stir in the half & half.

 

We are halfway done making our homemade alfredo sauce.  It's looking good! 

 

Next, add the salt, pepper, cayenne and red pepper flakes to the mixture.  Turn the heat on low and simmer while the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

 

Add the parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until well blended. 

 Your alfredo sauce should look like this.  I think it's beautiful and I just know you're gonna love it.  If you "can't take the heat," then I would simply leave out the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. 

 

Add your sausage to the alfredo sauce mixture along with the cooked pasta. At this point, you can add the parsley and any additional salt and pepper, if needed.  The original recipe calls for fresh chopped parsley which I did not have at the time.  If using fresh, you will need 1-2 tablespoons.

 

Add your mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish.  Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese on top.  Then, turn your broiler on and broil for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

 

#inovenshot #almosttimetoeat #yum-o



 Ok.  Who's ready for supper?  It's time to eat.  You will enjoy this homemade Spicy Smoked Sausage Alfredo Bake.  I just know it! Bonus, the leftovers are scrumptious too! 

 

Bon appetit'...let's eat!,

Amy

Recipe source: www.letsdishrecipes.com