Sausage Alfredo Bake

This is one of those meals that you are thinking "WOW this is so good the leftovers will be so good for lunch tomorrow.."  Only to be disappointed when your family eats the entire thing in one sitting.  Ok actually that is a good thing because either I starved them to death beforehand or the dish was amazing!!  We all know in this case it was the later.  It was a winner!!  Unfortunately they ate it so fast I did not get good pictures, so you will have to trust me on this one.  It is delicious!!

Sausage Alfredo Bake
Inspired by Let's Dish

Ingredients:
16 ounces dry pasta (You can use any type I opted for penne)
 3 tablespoons butter
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup diced onions
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups half and half
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
1 (12 oz) fully cooked smoked sausage, any variety
1/2 cup peas (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain.

While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a medium sauce pan.  Add garlic and onions and cook about 5 minutes or until the start to get translucent. Stir in the flour.  

Add the chicken broth and whisk until smooth.  Stir in the half and half.  Add the salt and pepper and simmer until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of the mozzarella until the cheeses are melted and smooth.  

Slice the sausage.  I then halved the slices.  Add the sausage, pasta and peas (if desired) to the sauce.  Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.  Top with the additional cup of mozzarella cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until it is bubbly and golden.

*I cut up my sausage, cooked my pasta and shredded my cheese in advance.  This made it pretty quick to put together for the dinner rush.  I think it would be good with other meats also.

This is a keeper!

Enjoy,