Bratwurst is a favorite at our house. My husband and I both had lived in the midwest for at least a few years growing up, and we spent 4 years there while in school. We had a lot of really good bratwurst. Our local grocer had an awesome meat counter that always had at least 4 different flavors, and we made it a point to try them all. Not at one time, mind you. We did it slowly, at a healthy rate.
It’s just a good thing that bratwurst is available everywhere, even if not in as many varieties.
We used bratwurst with this awesome pasta. And topped it with what we love on our brats. You can use whatever sausage you and your family love.
So, go enjoy some serious comfort food. I mean, really. Cheese, ranch, sausage, and avocado all in the same pasta dish. Plus, it’s absolutely delicious. I’m telling you. Makes me warm and happy just thinking about it. And, yes, I have issues.
Grilled Sausage and Ranch Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 4 sausages (I used bratwurst), grilled and cut diagonally
- 8 oz penne pasta (I used whole wheat)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- slices of avocado for topping
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons butter in medium skillet and add onions. Cook, stirring occasionally over medium-low heat until golden. Watch carefully that they do not burn or cook too quickly.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions in large pot. Drain and set aside.
Using the same pot, melt butter. Add flour and stir, cooking for 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk. Continue cooking until sauce thickens.
Stir in ranch dressing mix and cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted.
Add pasta and stir to mix.
Serve pasta topped with about a 1/2 of one of the cut sausages, some of the caramelized onions and slices of avocado.
Notes
Sauce recipe adapted from Plain Chicken