Chicken Sausage Casserole

This Chicken Sausage Casserole is one of those cozy meals that just hits the spot. Picture this: creamy mac and cheese combined with savory chicken sausage and vibrant broccoli, all baked together for a hearty, comforting dish. Trust me, after a long day, there's nothing better than digging into a bowl of this goodness-it’s like a hug in a dish!

What I love most about this casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or even toss in some extra cheese if you're feeling indulgent. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying the meal with family or friends.

Seriously, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something simple yet satisfying.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about this Chicken Sausage Casserole is its ease of preparation. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that everyone will love. The creamy mac and cheese acts as a perfect base, soaking up all the flavors from the chicken sausage and broccoli.

It's a real crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy!

Another reason to love this recipe is its flexibility. Don’t have chicken sausage? No problem!

You can easily substitute with any sausage you like, or even a plant-based option if that's your jam. And if broccoli isn’t your thing, feel free to toss in any other veggies you have on hand-zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach all work beautifully.

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

For this Chicken Sausage Casserole, you'll need a few straightforward ingredients: half a link of chicken sausage, a 10-ounce bag of frozen chopped broccoli, a box of mac and cheese shells, and a splash of milk. I like to use the shells because they hold onto the cheese sauce perfectly, but any pasta will do in a pinch.

As for tools, grab your trusty skillet or cast iron pan. I can’t stress enough how much I love cooking with cast iron; it really helps to achieve that tasty, browned crust on the sausage. You’ll also want a good spatula for mixing and a baking dish to pop your casserole in.

Nothing fancy needed-just the essentials!

How To Make It

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. This Chicken Sausage Casserole is all about layering those flavors for a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. We’re going to slice up our sausage, sauté it to bring out that savory goodness, and then combine it all together for a baked masterpiece.

Preparation

Start by slicing your chicken sausage into about 1/4-inch thick rounds. This helps them crisp up nicely when we sauté them. While you're at it, you can measure out your broccoli and prepare the mac and cheese according to the package instructions.

It's super easy, just follow the directions, and you'll have a creamy base ready to go in no time.

Once your sausage is sliced and your mac and cheese is prepped, heat your skillet or cast iron pan on medium-high heat with a touch of oil. This is where the magic happens. Sauté the sausage until it’s browned and crispy on the edges-about 5 to 7 minutes is usually perfect.

Cooking

After your sausage is looking delicious, it’s time to combine everything. Mix your cooked mac and cheese with the frozen broccoli in the skillet. You’ll want to let that broccoli heat through-if you’re using whole pieces instead of chopped, just give it a few extra minutes until it’s tender.

Stir in a splash of milk for extra creaminess, and then add the browned sausage back into the mix.

Let everything hang out on low heat for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the flavors meld together beautifully, and you can smell that savory aroma filling your kitchen. The cheese should be ooey-gooey, and the broccoli bright green.

That's when you'll want to scoop it into a baking dish and pop it in the oven for a bit to get all the flavors to unite even more.

Serving & Variations

When it comes to serving this casserole, I recommend pairing it with a slice of buttered bread or a light garden salad. It balances the richness of the dish nicely. But here’s a pro tip: if you want to elevate it, sprinkle some crispy breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top before baking for that crunchy texture everyone loves.

A common consensus among home cooks is that adding a pinch of garlic powder or some red pepper flakes can really amp up the flavor. You can also play around with different types of sausage-Italian sausage adds a nice kick, while turkey sausage keeps it lighter. The sky's the limit here!

Wrapping Up

So there you have it-an easy, delicious Chicken Sausage Casserole that’s perfect for any night of the week. It's comforting, filling, and sure to become a family favorite. Once you try this, you’ll see why it’s such a hit.

Recipe created by Blue Collar Chef for Trust Me Try It.

Chicken Sausage Casserole

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1/2 link of Chicken Sausage, or any kind you like
• 10 oz of frozen chopped broccoli
• 1 box of mac and cheese shells
• Splash of Milk

Instructions

• Slice your chicken sausage about 1/4 inch thick
• Heat your skillet or cast iron to medium high heat, with a teeny bit of oil in the bottom
• Then, saute your chicken sausage until the edges are browned
• Make you Mac and Cheese as the package says, then add in your frozen chopped broccoli
• I like to use the chopped broccoli, you can use whole
• If you use whole you will need to let it heat up a little bit longer to cook all the way through
• Let mixture heat up for about 5 minutes, add a splash of milk and stir
• After about 5 minutes, add in your sausage links, stir and let it sit on low for about 5 minutes
• Serve with a slice of butter bread, and easy garden salad or garlic bread