Macaroni and Cheese with Italian Sausage and Bell Peppers

My kids love macaroni and cheese, except when you add bell peppers of any color to it. I was hoping that with the sausage and loads of cheese they would overlook the bell peppers, but they did not. My husband and I though it was great just they way it is, but the kids want me to make it again without the bell peppers. I guess this will be a mom and dad macaroni and cheese. 

Macaroni and Cheese with Italian Sausage and Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces rotini pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic (3-4 clove)
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in both diced peppers and red onions. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl or plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until completely cooked and crumbled, about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and sugar. Add the cooked vegetables and stir to combine.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and add in the cooked and drained pasta, stirring to combine.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in the cheese. Cover the skillet and let sit until the cheese has melted.

Enjoy!!!

Nutrition Facts
Serves: 6
Amount Per Serving
Calories 774
Total Fat		40.6g
Saturated Fat		18.9g
Polyunsaturated Fat		0.2g
Monounsaturated Fat		1.7g
Trans Fat		0g
Cholesterol		116.3mg
Sodium		980.6mg
Potassium		99mg
Total Carbohydrates		61.7g
Dietary Fiber		4.1g
Sugars		5.8g
Protein		40.9g
Vitamin A 17.84% Vitamin C 20.04%
Calcium 50.35% Iron 18.43%
*Nutritional information will vary depending on the brands you use.

*Adapted from The Mediterranean Dish.