13 Mar 2025
Cook time 65 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
14 oz vienna sausage
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup onion
3 garlic cloves
1 red pepper
1 yellow or green pepper
1 cup mushrooms
1.50 cups canned tomatoes
2 cups pasta sauce
2 cups water
8 oz pasta
8 oz mozzarella cheese
{'title': 'Chicken Sausage and Peppers Macaroni Casserole', 'description': "This Chicken Sausage and Peppers Macaroni Casserole is a delicious and comforting meal that combines hearty sausages, fresh vegetables, and gooey mozzarella cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. It's an easy and satisfying dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends."}
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the Vienna sausages.
- Dice the onion.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Dice the red and yellow or green peppers.
- Slice the mushrooms.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet or deep pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onions and cook until they are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the diced red and yellow or green peppers to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 4 minutes.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the sliced Vienna sausages to the pan, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes.
- Pour in the crushed canned tomatoes and pasta sauce.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir well to combine.
6. Simmer:
- Add 2 cups of water to the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Cook the Pasta:
- Add the uncooked pasta to the pan. Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer on medium-low heat for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is just al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
8. Assemble the Casserole:
- Once the pasta is cooked, transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
9. Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and begins to turn golden brown.
10. Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious Chicken Sausage and Peppers Macaroni Casserole!
Tips:
- Pre-cook the pasta: Cook the pasta until it's al dente before adding it to the casserole. This helps ensure it doesn't become too mushy while baking.
- Use a variety of peppers: Using both red and either yellow or green peppers adds color and a variety of flavors to the dish.
- Grate your own mozzarella: Freshly grated mozzarella cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese.
- Season throughout: Season the vegetables and sausage with salt and pepper as you cook to build depth of flavor in the dish.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to cut into portions.
{'summary': "Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Chicken Sausage and Peppers Macaroni Casserole as a satisfying meal that's sure to please everyone. The combination of savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese creates a comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. Serve it hot and relish the delightful medley of flavors in every bite."}