Name: Creamy Sausage Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound dry elbow pasta; 1 pound bulk Italian sausage (mild, sweet or hot depending on your preference); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); ¼ cup flour; 3 ½ cups milk; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ teaspoon ground mustard; 4 cups freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese (do not use pre-grated cheese); Salt to taste; Freshly parsley or chives (chopped for garnish)

If you’re craving something that wraps you in warmth and comfort with every bite, this Creamy Sausage Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the silky cheese sauce clings to those tender noodles, with savory sausage adding the perfect punch of flavor. When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite—I’m pretty sure you’ll fall for it just as hard, especially once you taste how creamy and luscious it gets without being overwhelming. So grab your skillet, and let’s dive into this fan-freaking-tastic dish!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Creamy Sauce: Made from scratch with sharp white cheddar, it’s decadently cheesy and perfectly smooth every time.
Sausage Flavor Boost: The Italian sausage adds just the right amount of spice and savoriness to balance the creaminess.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find components—just pantry staples that come together beautifully.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s the ultimate cozy meal that never fails to satisfy hungry appetites.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy pasta that has three layers: a bottom layer of pale yellow cooked macaroni, a middle layer mixed with small chunks of light brown sausage, and a top layer of white cheese sauce sprinkled with a few green herb pieces. Behind it, two more white bowls hold the same dish, sitting on a white marbled surface. To the left, a wooden cutting board with grated cheese and a block of cheese is visible. A blue and white checkered cloth is partially seen in the lower-left corner. Some green herbs lay on the marble in the bottom right corner. The lighting is bright and natural, creating a fresh feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Sausage Mac and Cheese, easy sausage mac and cheese, cheesy sausage pasta, comfort food recipes, family favorite pasta dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients balance creamy, savory, and a hint of spice to deliver that dreamy mac and cheese texture and flavor you crave. When shopping, pick a good-quality sharp cheddar—it really makes all the difference.

Flat lay of dry elbow pasta arranged neatly, a fresh bulk Italian sausage link uncooked, a small pat of golden butter, a few cloves of whole garlic with clean skins, a medium yellow onion whole and unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl holding creamy whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl containing ground mustard powder, a mound of freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese, a few sprigs of fresh parsley with vibrant green leaves, all ingredients symmetrically placed on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Sausage Mac and Cheese, easy sausage mac and cheese, cheesy sausage pasta, comfort food recipes, family favorite pasta dishes

Dry elbow pasta: Classic mac and cheese shape that holds onto the sauce well.
Bulk Italian sausage: Pick mild, sweet, or hot depending on your spice preference—each brings unique flavor.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce base.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps soften onions and garlic while adding gentle fruitiness.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
Garlic cloves: For that extra punch of warmth and aroma.
Flour: The thickening agent for that creamy sauce consistency.
Milk: Use whole milk for best creaminess.
Black pepper: Gentle heat that complements the sausage and cheese.
Smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth without heat.
Ground mustard: Subtle tang that enhances cheese flavor.
Sharp white cheddar cheese: Freshly grated for the best melting and flavor—pre-grated just doesn’t give the same results.
Salt: To taste—always taste and adjust at the end.
Fresh parsley or chives: Bright garnish for freshness and color.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this dish my own by tweaking the sausage or adding veggies. Feel free to mix in whatever feels right for your crew, whether it’s a bit of heat or some extra greens for a fresh twist.

Spicy Kick: I add red pepper flakes when using sweet sausage to brighten the heat without overpowering.
Veggie Boost: Sometimes I throw in sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli for added texture and nutrition.
Cheese Swap: Mixing in a bit of smoked gouda or mozzarella amps up the creaminess and flavor complexity.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with a gluten-free thickener; it still turns out amazing.

How to Make Creamy Sausage Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your elbow pasta and cook it just to al dente—this ensures it won’t get mushy when combined with the sauce. I always test a piece a minute or two before the package time to get the texture just right.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While your pasta cooks, heat a large pot over medium heat and add the bulk Italian sausage. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it up as it cooks. When it’s browned and cooked through, transfer it to a bowl and set aside. This step locks in the sausage’s juicy flavor and leaves you with that beautiful browned texture.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, melt the butter and olive oil together. Toss in diced onions and cook until they’re soft and fragrant, usually 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté another minute—don’t rush here because this step is where your sauce gets its depth.

Step 4: Make the Roux and Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about a minute to cook off the raw flavor. Then gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps—this is what transforms our base into that dreamy creamy texture. Add black pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard to amp up the complexity. Keep stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens to a creamy, soup-like consistency—usually around 10 minutes.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, turn the heat to low and stir in freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese until it melts completely. This step is my favorite—watching the sauce turn ultra-smooth and velvety is so satisfying! Taste and add salt or more pepper if needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta, Sausage, and Sauce

Drain your pasta well and add it back to the pot along with the browned sausage. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat every bit of pasta in that luscious cheesy sauce. It’s all coming together now—you’ll want to savor this moment!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. They add a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich flavors. Serve it hot, and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Sausage Mac and Cheese Recipe

Freshly Grate Your Cheese: I learned this trick the hard way—pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting, so freshly grated gives a smooth, creamy sauce.
Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the flour in butter and oil before adding milk prevents lumps and creates that perfect creamy base every time.
Keep the Heat Moderate: Stir the sauce constantly on medium heat to avoid scorching and ensure even thickening.
Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper toward the end, taste often—this step makes sure the seasoning is balanced without overpowering the sausage and cheese flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Sausage Mac and Cheese Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy macaroni and cheese mixed with small pieces of browned sausage, topped with scattered small green parsley leaves. The pasta is pale yellow with a smooth, creamy texture and the sausage pieces are a light brown. In the background, two more white bowls with the same dish are partially visible on a white marbled surface, along with a white salt shaker and a wooden board with shredded cheese. A blue and white striped cloth is partly seen at the bottom left, and fresh green parsley rests on the bottom right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Sausage Mac and Cheese, easy sausage mac and cheese, cheesy sausage pasta, comfort food recipes, family favorite pasta dishes

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of fresh herbs here—chopped parsley or chives add just enough brightness to cut through the richness and make the dish feel lighter. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little crushed red pepper flakes for a nice visual and mild heat contrast.

Side Dishes

Pairing this creamy sausage mac and cheese with simple sides helps round out the meal without stealing the spotlight. I love serving it alongside steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted Brussels sprouts—fresh and slightly crunchy sides balance the creaminess beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this mac and cheese in individual ramekins with a golden breadcrumb topping crisped under the broiler—it adds texture and makes it feel extra special. Plus, presentation-wise, it feels like a fancy dinner, but without the fuss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps well for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce, especially since the noodles soak it up overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times with good results. I like to freeze it before baking or serving, in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or oven, adding a splash of milk if the sauce feels too thick.

Reheating

To keep the sauce creamy when reheating, I recommend warming it slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, and adding a little milk or broth as needed. Microwaving works too but can sometimes dry it out, so add a splash of milk before zapping.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to choose mild, sweet, or hot Italian sausage based on your heat preference. You could even substitute breakfast sausage or chorizo for a different flavor twist, just watch the seasoning and adjust accordingly.
What’s the best cheese to use for Creamy Sausage Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Sharp white cheddar is my go-to because it melts well and has a great balance of sharpness and creaminess. Make sure to grate it fresh to avoid clumping and grainy texture. You can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for extra creaminess or smokiness.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Make sure to stir the sauce continuously as it thickens and add the cheese off the heat or on low heat to prevent overheating. Using freshly grated cheese also helps since it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the elbow pasta for a gluten-free variety and replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Just watch the cooking times as gluten-free pasta may cook faster or differently.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a bit of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between to avoid drying out.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sausage Mac and Cheese Recipe truly feels like a hug in a bowl, and it’s become my go-to when I want something cozy but impressive for family dinners. I love sharing it because it’s easy enough for weeknights yet rich and indulgent enough to impress guests. If you try it, I bet you’ll find it’s one of those comfort dishes you add to your regular rotation. Honestly, I just can’t get enough—give it a shot and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!