Spicy Sausage Casserole

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If you were to write a play by play of your weeknight routine what would it look like?  Here’s a glimpse into my typical routine, it can get quite hectic.  After work I trudge through rush hour traffic, pick up my cute little man, then tolerate more rush hour traffic and finally make my way to my house.  Once I get home the race is on; it’s time to play, prepare supper, feed my family, get Tucker ready for bed, relax for a minute (maybe) and then get myself in bed.  Can you relate? 

If your weeknights are anything like mine then I know you appreciate meals that can be prepared and on the table in about 30 minutes.  Well, this meal definitely delivers and I love it for many reasons.  It’s a one-pot meal, so there’s not a ton of dishes to clean up.  That fact alone is probably enough to sell it to some of you!  It tastes good, it’s packed full of flavor and, the best part, it really is on the table in 20-30 minutes.     

This tasty little dish is incredibly easy to put together.  Even better, it consists of ingredients that you probably already have on hand!  This meal starts out by cooking the sausage and onions, next the garlic is added along with the liquids and pasta.  The pasta cooks right along with the meat, in the same pan, after the pasta is done, part of the cheese is stirred into the mixture to coat all of the ingredients.  The remaining cheese is then sprinkled over the top and the entire dish is placed in the broiler to make the cheese all nice, golden and bubbly.  Then your done!  Enjoy this incredibly creamy, slightly spicy, and delicious dish.  Then look at the clock, notice how early it is?  Enjoy some more time with your family!  This meal has quickly become a favorite for my family and I’m sure it will be with yours, as well.
Spicy Sausage Casserole

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Pound smoked turkey sausage
1/2 Large onion, diced
2 Cloves garlic, minced
2 Cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (10oz) can Rotel
1/2 Cup milk
8 oz penne pasta, or small
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 Cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/3 Cup scallions, thinly sliced

Directions:

Slice smoked sausage, making slices 1/4 inch thick.  Set aside.

Place a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat.  Add the olive oil, along with sausage and onions and cook until onions are translucent and sausage has begun to brown, about 4-5 minutes.  Add garlic and cook until fragarent, an additional 30 seconds.

Add the tomatoes, chicken broth, rotel, and cream and stir to combine.  Add the pasta and stir, season with salt and pepper and bring the mixture to a boil.  Cover the pasta mixture and reduce to a simmer, medium-low heat.  Allow mixture to simmer until pasta is tender, about 15 minutes. 

Meanwhile, preheat broiler.

Remove skillet from heat and add half of the cheese, stir to melt.  Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle with sliced scallions.  Place pasta dish under broiler until cheese is melted, golden and bubbly.  Serve.

Recipe source:  America’s Test Kitchen, The Best Simple Recipes via Kevin and Amanda