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1.
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Bring a large pot of water to boil.
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Prepare pasta according to package directions.
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Drain and set aside.
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2.
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Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, brown hot sausage.
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During the last few minutes of cooking the sausage, add the diced onion and minced garlic.
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Sprinkle half of the cayenne pepper over the sausage mix (adjust according to heat preference).
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Stir.
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Turn burner off and set skillet aside.
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3.
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In large saucepan, melt butter completely over medium heat.
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With a whisk, mix in flour one tablespoon at a time until it forms a thick paste.
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Add milk and whisk until mixture appears smooth and uniform.
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Allow mixture to cook, stirring frequently, until it begins to bubble and sauce begins to thicken significantly.
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When sauce is about the consistency of a gravy, reduce heat to medium low and begin slowly adding cheese.
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Allow cheese to melt smoothly into the sauce, stirring frequently and adding more cheese when necessary.
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(Reserve one cup of cheddar cheese for topping later.)
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Once all cheese is added, taste the sauce.
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This is where you decide how much heat you can handle.
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Prepare yourself.
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4.
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If sauce is spicy enough for you already, just add a bit of ground pepper and move on.
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If you want a little hair on your chest, add in the cayenne pepper and ground pepper.
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If you really like to get wild with your mac n cheese, add in some diced green chiles or jalapenos.
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Also, you can adjust the thickness of the sauce right now by adding a little more milk to thin it out if necessary.
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5.
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Get out your biggest casserole dish or two small casserole dishes.
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Grease lightly.
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Dump pasta, sausage mix, and quartered grape tomatoes into the casserole dish.
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(Oh, and dont skimp on the grape tomatoes.
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They make this dish.
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Really).
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Mix thoroughly.
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Pour cheese sauce over the top of the mixture.
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Sprinkle the reserved cup of cheddar cheese (or pepper jack, or both) over the top of the casserole.
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Sprinkle bread crumbs on top of that.
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If youre feeling randy, sprinkle a little chili powder on top of that.
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6.
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Pop this baby into a 375-degree oven for twenty minutes or until mixture is hot, bubbling, and cheese is deliciously melty.
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7.
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Kiss your lover.
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Hug a baby.
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Smell a flower.
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Thank your favorite higher power/philosopher/critical thinker that you live in a world with hot delicious melty cheese and pasta dishes.
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Serve the casserole and enjoy it thoroughly.
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I know I do.
