Creamy Pasta & Tomato With Italian Sausage

kcdelong's Note:

I just made the one of the best creamy macaroni and tomato dish I’ve ever had! I got tired of the same old stuff and started experimenting…It’s quick, pretty cheap, easy to make and very versatile. Try it with sweet, spicy or mild Italian sausage or even ground beef, turkey or chicken.

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 lb italian sweet sausage , browned and drained
• 1 (7 ¼ ounce) box Kraft macaroni and cheese
• 2 ½ cups water
• 2 (14 ounce) cans chicken broth , low sodium if possible
• 1 (5 ½ ounce) can v8 juice , Spicy Hot
• 1 (10 ¾ ounce) can tomato soup , Creamy
• 1 (10 ½ ounce) can tomatoes , Diced with Garlic, Basil, Oregano
• ¼ cup evaporated milk
• 4 tablespoons margarine
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• ½ cup Italian cheese , grated (optional)
• parmesan cheese , to taste (optional)

Directions:

1. Brown meat in skillet, drain and set aside.
2. In a large sauce pan, mix chicken broth and water; bring to a boil.
3. Add 2 Tablespoons of margarine, macaroni and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until pasta is firm but not hard (Al Dente).
4. Drain pasta and set aside.
5. In large sauce pan melt 2 Tablespoons of margarine; add evaporated milk and cheese package and mix well; add V8, dice tomatoes, tomato soup and spices mix well.
6. Add macaroni and meat to sauce mixture and cook for 5 minutes, sauce will slightly thicken.
7. Top with additional cheese if you like and serve hot.