cheesy spicy sausage pasta

Is there anything better than cheese? I may think not. Cheese is so versatile- so many varieties. So much deliciousness. This dish is cheesy, but not too cheesy. While I don't really believe in the concept of too cheesy, it is a fine line to walk between cheesy goodness and cheesy overload.

This is a one pot dish with minimal ingredients- all of the ingredients are fairly inexpensive as well. Start with your smoked sausage and onion...

Add stock, Rotel, cream and noodles. This is essentially grown up and homemade hamburger helper. Except without hamburger.

Now the cheese. The best part. Or maybe the best part is the sausage. Or the noodles. Well... maybe the whole thing is the best part.

Cheesy Spicy Sausage Pasta
Original recipe found at Big Oven!
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 lb. smoked turkey sausage
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken stock
1 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes and green chili
1/2 cup half and half or cream
8 oz. penne pasta
4 oz. monterey jack cheese, shredded

In a large saute pan, combine olive oil, turkey sausage and onion. Cook over medium heat until onions are soft and sausage is browned. Lower heat and allow to cool slightly. Add garlic, Rotel, chicken stock and half and half. Bring back up to medium heat and bring to a simmer. Add noodles. Cook mixture uncovered until noodles are soft, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in monterey jack cheese. Serve with either diced scallions or parmesan cheese. Enjoy!