Skillet Mac and Cheese with Sausage and Bell Peppers

Homemade mac and cheese with sausage and bell peppers smothered in marinara sauce and cream.  This skillet mac and cheese is a perfect weeknight family dinner as it takes only 45 minutes to make!

In this mac and cheese recipe, everything is cooked in one skillet: sausage, bell peppers, and even pasta! The clean-up after dinner is super easy! This dish will become your family’s favorite!

I’ve made this homemade mac and cheese with sausage and bell peppers a couple of weeks ago as my lunch to take to work – and IT WAS SO GOOD! AND, SO EASY TO MAKE!

How to make skillet mac and cheese

First, start by cooking sausage on medium heat, in a large skillet until the meat is brown. Drain off fat. Then, add diced bell peppers:

Next, add dried elbow macaroni, marinara sauce, and water:

Bring to boil; reduce heat to simmer. Simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes until macaroni is tender, occasionally stirring. Add half and half, sprinkle with cheese, and mix everything well. Remove from heat, cover and let it sit for about 2 minutes or until the cheese melts:

Your pasta is ready to serve: only 45 minutes from start to finish!

5 from 28 votes

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Skillet Mac and Cheese with Sausage and Bell Peppers

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

45 mins

 

In this homemade mac and cheese recipe, everything is cooked in one skillet: sausage, bell peppers, and even pasta!  This delicious red sauce macaroni and cheese will become your new family favorite! 

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 436 kcal

Author: Julia

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork sausage
• 2 bell peppers , diced
• 8 oz elbow macaroni , dry
• 18 oz marinara sauce
• 18 oz water
• 1/3 cup half and half
• 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. In a large skillet cook sausage on medium heat, until meat is brown. Drain off fat.
2. Add diced bell peppers, dried elbow macaroni, marinara sauce, and water. Bring to boil; reduce heat to simmer. Simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes until macaroni is tender, occasionally stirring.
3. Add half and half, sprinkle with cheese, and mix everything well. Remove from heat, cover and let it sit for about 2 minutes or until cheese melts.

Recipe Notes

WHAT IS HALF AND HALF? To make 1 cup of half and half, combine 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream).

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Nutrition Facts

Skillet Mac and Cheese with Sausage and Bell Peppers

Amount Per Serving

Calories 436 Calories from Fat 207

% Daily Value*

Fat 23g35%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Cholesterol 64mg21%

Sodium 978mg43%

Potassium 647mg18%

Carbohydrates 35g12%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 6g7%

Protein 19g38%

Vitamin A 1210IU24%

Vitamin C 47.8mg58%

Calcium 76mg8%

Iron 2.4mg13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.