Sausage and Spinach Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 boxes Annie’s shells & white cheddar
• Olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper, to taste
• 8 oz. baby spinach
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1/4 – 1/2 c. pasta water
• 2 TBSP butter
• 2-4 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook pasta for 7 minutes; drain and reserve 1/2 c. pasta water
2. Meanwhile, in a skillet heat olive oil over medium high heat and add the onion, and saute until tender; then add the sausage, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper, crumble and cook until cooked through.
3. Once the sausage is cooked through add the spinach and cook until the spinach wilts; then remove the sausage and spinach mixture from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the skillet add milk, butter, 1/4 c. pasta water, and cheese packets and whisk on low and bring to a gentle simmer; then add the cooked pasta and stir to coat; then add 1/2 the mozzarella cheese, and toss to coat; then add the sausage mixture and toss to coat. Add additional pasta water, if needed, additional cheese, if desired, and taste and adjust seasoning.

Sausage and Spinach Macaroni and Cheese: