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Creamy Shell Pasta with Sausage Recipe

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Introduction

This Creamy Shell Pasta with Sausage is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The richness of heavy cream combined with the savory flavors of Italian sausage and Parmesan creates a meal that everyone will love. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying dinner experience!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta shells
  • 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Sauce:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) white wine or chicken broth (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Sausage:

  • Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
  • Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics:

  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Deglaze the Pan (Optional):

  • Add the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
  • Let the liquid reduce for about 2 minutes.

5. Make the Sauce:

  • Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream.
  • Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

6. Combine Everything:

  • Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce.
  • Add the cooked pasta shells and toss until everything is evenly combined.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

7. Garnish and Serve:

  • Transfer the creamy sausage pasta to a serving dish.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a delicious finishing touch.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta

  1. Use Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and enhance the sauce’s flavor.
  2. Save Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  3. Customize: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sausage and sauce in advance, then reheat it with the pasta just before serving. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work wonderfully in this recipe.

3. Is there a dairy-free alternative?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: ~520 kcal
  • Protein: ~25 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~45 g
  • Fat: ~25 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g

Conclusion

This Creamy Shell Pasta with Sausage is a delightful mix of rich, cheesy flavors and savory sausage, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Its quick preparation and crowd-pleasing taste make it a go-to recipe in your dinner rotation.

Don’t forget to share your thoughts and variations in the comments below!

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