Cheesy Rotini with Smoked Sausage, Cabbage and Apple
Author: Sherry K
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: American
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8
Nothing says comfort like chewy pasta, smoky sausage, sweet apple and cooked cabbage, smothered in a creamy cheese.
Ingredients
¾ teaspoon – salt, divided
12 ounces – rotini pasta
1 tablespoon – extra virgin olive oil
1 – medium onion, diced
8 ounces – cole slaw mix
1 (14 ounce) package – smoked sausage, cubed
1 – medium apple, peeled, cored and diced
¾ teaspoon – seasoned salt
6 tablespoons – butter, divided
4 tablespoons – flour
2 cups – milk
8 ounces – sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces – white medium cheddar cheese, shredded
4 ounces – grated Gruyere cheese
4 ounces – cream cheese
¾ teaspoon – ground white pepper
2 cups – crushed cheese-flavored snack crackers
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add ½ teaspoon salt and, while stirring, add the rotini. Return to a boil, reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for 8-11 minutes, or until rotini is al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and slaw mix. Saute for 10 minutes or until tender. Add smoked sausage, apple and seasoned salt; saute for 5-6 more minutes or until apple is tender. Remove from heat.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a separate large pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over low heat. Add flour and stir to combine. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and whisk in the milk, a little at a time. Cook until thickened, about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to low; add cheeses, ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Stir in cooked rotini and cabbage/sausage mixture.
Using 1 tablespoon of butter, grease a 3-quart casserole dish. Pour pasta mixture into buttered dish. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter. In small bowl, combine butter with crackers. Sprinkle over the top of the pasta.
Bake at 350 degrees F. for 35-40 minutes, or until top is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving.