Cheesy Rotini with Smoked Sausage, Cabbage and Apple
Author: 
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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
Notes
Recipe by Jazzy Gourmet Cooking Studio at http://jazzygourmetblog.com
© 2012 Sherry Klinedinst
All rights reserved. Repost with permission only.
Recipe by Jazzy Gourmet Cooking Studio at https://jazzygourmetblog.com/2012/05/cheesy-rotini-with-smoked-sausage-cabbage-and-apple/