Annie’s Mac & Cheese with Honey BBQ Chicken Sausage : The Ultimate Girl Dinner

When Comfort Food Gets a Major Upgrade

Hey there, friend! Let’s be real for a second. Some nights, you just don’t have the energy for a gourmet, four-course meal that dirties every pot and pan in your kitchen. You want something that feels like a warm, cheesy hug but doesn’t take a lifetime to make. You want flavor that makes you do a little happy dance, but with minimal effort. Sound familiar? Oh, I’ve been there more times than I can count.

That’s exactly why I’m so head-over-apron in love with this recipe. We’re taking a classic boxed favorite—Annie’s Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Mac & Cheese—and giving it a sassy, smoky, and utterly irresistible twist with caramelized Honey BBQ Chicken Sausage. This isn’t just mac and cheese; this is an experience. It’s the ultimate “girl dinner,” a meal that’s perfectly portioned, wildly satisfying, and completely on your own terms. It’s cozy, it’s craveable, and it’s about to become your new go-to for those busy weeknights when you deserve something truly delicious, fast.

So, if you’ve ever stood in front of the pantry, willing a dinner idea to magically appear, your search is over. Grab your favorite bowl, and let’s make a little magic together.

The Night “Girl Dinner” Became a Lifestyle

This recipe was born out of pure, beautiful necessity. Picture this: It was a rainy Wednesday, I’d just finished a marathon recipe-testing session for a complicated layered cake (a glorious failure, but that’s a story for another day), and my stomach was growling louder than my stand mixer. I was tired, a little flour-dusted, and the thought of “cooking” felt like a Herculean task.

I stared into the abyss of my fridge and saw two things: a box of my favorite Annie’s mac and cheese (a permanent resident for emergencies) and a pack of honey BBQ chicken sausages I’d picked up on a whim. A lightbulb went off. I sliced those sausages, threw them in a hot skillet, and watched them sizzle and caramelize while the pasta water boiled. In less than 15 minutes, I was curled up on my couch with a bowl of the most perfect, creamy, smoky, and sweet mac and cheese I’d had in ages. It was a revelation! It felt indulgent and clever, like I’d hacked the system. That night, this dish wasn’t just dinner; it was a act of self-care. And that’s the spirit I want you to bring to your kitchen when you make it.

Gathering Your Flavor All-Stars

This recipe is all about simplicity, but every ingredient plays a key role. Here’s what you’ll need and why it works so beautifully.

• 1 box Annie’s Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Mac & Cheese: I’m a loyalist to this brand for a reason! The shells are the perfect little vessels for holding that creamy, aged cheddar sauce. The flavor is rich and tangy without that artificial taste some boxed macs can have. Chef’s Insight: The shape matters here! Shells trap the sauce and the little sausage bits in every bite.
• 2 chicken sausage links (Honey BBQ flavor): This is the star of the show! The honey BBQ brings a sweet and smoky depth that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Substitution Tip: No honey BBQ? Smoked apple chardonnay or a spicy jalapeño chicken sausage would be fantastic too! You can also use pork sausage or a plant-based smoked sausage if that’s what you have.
• 1 tsp olive oil or nonstick spray: Just enough to get those sausage slices beautifully browned and crispy-edged without sticking to the pan.
• Salt and black pepper to taste: Don’t you dare forget the pepper! A good crack of black pepper at the end adds a little spicy edge that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce perfectly.
• Optional: A splash of milk and a small pat of butter: This is my not-so-secret secret for luxuriously creamy mac and cheese. The box instructions are a great start, but this extra step transforms it from “good” to “can I eat the whole pot?” levels of deliciousness.

Let’s Make Some Magic: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to see how this all comes together in a flash? Follow these steps, and you’ll be in comfort food heaven before you know it.

1. Get Your Pasta Water Rolling: Fill a medium saucepan with water, salt it generously (like the sea!), and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. This is your first step to flavor town—salting the water is the only chance you get to season the pasta itself from the inside out.
2. Cook the Shells: Add the pasta shells from the Annie’s box to the boiling water. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. We’re looking for al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Chef’s Hack: While the pasta cooks, you can multitask with the next step! This is how we get dinner on the table in 20 minutes flat.
3. Brown That Beautiful Sausage: While the pasta bubbles away, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add your olive oil or a quick spritz of nonstick spray. Add your sliced chicken sausage in a single layer. Let them sizzle for 3-4 minutes without moving them too much—this is how we get those gorgeous, caramelized, slightly crispy edges! Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through and beautifully browned. The smell at this point is absolutely divine.
4. Create the Creamy Dream Sauce: Once your pasta is cooked, drain it well and return it to the hot pot, off the heat. Immediately add the powdered cheese packet from the box. Stir, stir, stir! The residual heat from the pasta and the pot will start to melt the powder into a sauce. Now, for the pro move: add the optional splash of milk and a small pat of butter. Stir until everything is silky, smooth, and incredibly creamy.
5. The Grand Finale: This is my favorite part. You can either mix the caramelized honey BBQ sausage directly into the pot of mac and cheese, or you can spoon the creamy mac into bowls and artfully pile the sausage on top. There’s no wrong way! Finish it all with a generous crack of fresh black pepper.

How to Serve Your Masterpiece

How you serve this dish can turn a simple meal into a moment of pure joy. Here are a few of my favorite ways to plate it up:

The “Cozy Bowl” Method: This is my go-to. Pile the mac and cheese with sausage into your biggest, most comfortable bowl. Grab a fork, curl up on the couch, and dig in. It’s the ultimate comfort food presentation.

With a Crisp Side Salad: If you’re looking for a touch of freshness to balance the richness, a simple side salad is perfect. Think mixed greens with a sharp, lemony vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the cheese and cleanses the palate beautifully.

The “Fancy” Plate-Up: For a more polished look, use a ring mold to create a neat circle of mac and cheese in the center of your plate. Lean the sliced sausage against the side and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley. It looks like you slaved for hours, and it’s our little secret that you didn’t!

Make It Your Own: Delicious Twists & Swaps

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to get creative and use what you love!

• Spicy Southwest Fiesta: Swap the honey BBQ sausage for a spicy Andouille or Chorizo-style chicken sausage. Stir in a handful of frozen corn and a can of drained, diced green chiles with the pasta. Top with a squeeze of lime juice and a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Garden Veggie Delight: Want to sneak in some veggies? Sauté a diced bell pepper and half a red onion in the skillet before adding the sausage. Or, stir in a handful of fresh baby spinach at the very end—it will wilt perfectly into the hot pasta.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac: Use a plain or Buffalo-flavored chicken sausage. After making the cheese sauce, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of your favorite Buffalo sauce. Top with crumbled blue cheese or Gorgonzola for the ultimate game-day treat.
• Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Friendly: Annie’s makes a fantastic gluten-free rice pasta and cheddar version! Use that, along with your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk and vegan butter. Check your sausage labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

From My Kitchen to Yours: A Few Chef’s Notes

This recipe has become such a staple in my own life that it’s evolved in fun ways. I’ve been known to add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the cheese sauce for an extra flavor boost. Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra, I’ll throw the whole finished dish into a small baking dish, top it with a little extra shredded cheddar and panko breadcrumbs, and broil it for a few minutes for a crispy, golden-brown top. It’s a game-changer! The beauty of a recipe like this is that it’s a canvas for your cravings. Don’t be afraid to play around and make it yours.

Your Questions, Answered!

I know you might have a question or two, so I’ve tackled the most common ones right here.

Q: My cheese sauce came out a bit grainy. What happened?
A: This usually happens if the heat is too high when you add the cheese powder. The key is to take the pot off the heat before you stir in the powder, milk, and butter. The residual heat is plenty to melt everything into a smooth, creamy sauce without seizing up.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A> You can, but the texture is best fresh. If you need to, mix everything together and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen it up, or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently.

Q: What other pasta shapes work well?
A> While I love the shells, any short pasta will work! Elbows, cavatappi, or rotini are all great choices. They have plenty of nooks and crannies to hold onto the sauce and sausage.

Q: Is there a way to add more protein?
A> Absolutely! You can stir in a can of drained and rinsed white beans or a handful of frozen peas right at the end. You could also use a full 4 sausages instead of 2 for a seriously meaty version.

Print

Let’s Talk Nutrition & Prep

I’m a big believer in balance and knowing what’s going into your body. This dish is a satisfying, protein-packed meal that comes together in no time. Here’s the quick breakdown (approximate, and can vary based on specific brands and optional ingredients):

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 2

Nutrition (per serving): ~480 Calories, ~24g Protein, ~42g Carbohydrates, ~22g Fat

It’s a well-rounded meal that provides a great balance of macronutrients to keep you full and satisfied. The protein from the chicken sausage helps make it more than just a carb-fest, turning it into a legit dinner that powers you through your evening.

Your New Go-To Comfort Food

And there you have it! The recipe for what might just be the most perfect, low-effort, high-satisfaction dinner in your rotation. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy techniques or a mountain of ingredients to create something truly wonderful. All you need is a little inspiration, a few quality staples, and the permission to make a meal that brings you pure, uncomplicated joy.

I hope this recipe finds you on one of those nights when you need a quick win. I hope it makes your kitchen smell amazing and your belly feel happy. Most of all, I hope you love it as much as I do.

— Emily