Spicy Smoked Sausage Alfredo Bake

Ingredients :

16 ounces dry pasta

3 tablespoons butter

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons flour

1 cup chicken broth

2 cups half and half

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided

1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

1 (12 oz) fully cooked smoked sausage, any variety

Directions :

Cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente; drain.

While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Stir in flour.

Whisk in chicken broth until smooth, then stir in half and half.

Add salt, pepper, cayenne, and red pepper flakes and simmer until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella until cheeses are melted and smooth.

Slice sausage into 1/4 inch pieces and add to the sauce, along with the chopped parsley and cooked pasta. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Preheat broiler. Pour the pasta mixture into a lightly greased, 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.

Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.