Creamy pepper-sausage shells are comforting and flavorful pasta dishes featuring tender pasta shells, juicy Italian sausage and sauteed bell pepper in creamy, cheesy sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, as it comes together quickly and is a hit with the whole family. The rich cream sauce complements the bold flavor of the sausage and pepper, while the pasta shells hold onto every bit of the delicious sauce.
INGREDIENTS:
list of 14 items
? 12 oz medium pasta shells
? 1 tablespoon olive oil
? 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
? 1 red bell pepper, sliced
? 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
? 1 small onion, diced
? 3 garlic cloves, minced
? 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
? 1 cup heavy cream
? ? cup chicken broth
? 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
? 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
? Salt and pepper, to taste
? Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
list end
INSTRUCTIONS:
list of 6 items
1. Cook the pasta:
list of 1 items nesting level 1
? Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside,
reserving about ? cup of pasta water.
list end nesting level 1
2. Cook the sausage:
list of 1 items nesting level 1
? While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned
and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
list end nesting level 1
3. Saut¨¦ the peppers and onions:
list of 1 items nesting level 1
? In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and diced onion. Saut¨¦ for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic
and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
list end nesting level 1
4. Make the creamy sauce:
list of 1 items nesting level 1
? Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly
thickened. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt into the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little reserved
pasta water to thin it out.
list end nesting level 1
5. Combine the pasta, sausage, and sauce:
list of 1 items nesting level 1
? Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables. Add the cooked pasta shells and toss everything together
until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
list end nesting level 1
6. Garnish and serve:
list of 1 items nesting level 1
? Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the?
?Creamy
?Sausage & Peppers Shells hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
list end nesting level 1
list end
Enjoy this rich and satisfying dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete, delicious meal!
