Main Dishes · 30 minutes
Unexpected Cheddar Mac and Cheese
If you haven’t tried Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar cheese spread yet, you’re missing out. It is so good, and it’s perfect for pasta dishes, it really creates that pasta sauce kind of moment without much effort. I made this with macaroni, chicken sausage, and spinach, and the cheese spread is really what makes it creamy. It has a mac and cheese feel, but it tastes a little more grown up. My kids both ate it, so I’m calling that a win.
Why You'll Love This
- •One pot, one mess!
- •Kid friendly!
- •Few ingredients!
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni
Any short pasta works, shells, cavatappi, rotini, or penne. Just keep the cook time in mind since it varies by shape.
Unexpected Cheddar Chicken Sausage
Any pre-cooked chicken sausage works. Andouille is a bit smoky, Italian chicken sausage keeps it mild and family friendly. Regular pork sausage works too.
Broth
Vegetable broth is a great swap. Bone broth adds extra richness. You can also do half broth, half water if you’re low on broth
Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread
This is such a flavorful delicious cheese! In a pinch, plain cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese works.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add a splash of broth when reheating to bring the creaminess back. Freezes well for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Unexpected Cheddar Mac and Cheese
5 min
PREP
25 min
COOK
30 min
TOTAL
4-5 servings
SERVINGS
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Slice sausage into half coins or quarter coins.
- 2
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and brown until cooked through, about 4–5 minutes.
- 3
Make room in the pan and add elbow macaroni. Pour in 4 cup chicken broth and stir to make sure everything is covered. Bring to a boil, then cover with a lid, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring once or twice throughout to prevent sticking, until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- 4
Remove lid. Stir in cheese spread until melted and combined. Add spinach and add back the lid for 1–2 minutes to wilt the spinach. Remove lid and stir everything together.
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