Creamy Sausage & Peppers Shells is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender pasta shells, juicy Italian sausage, and sautéed bell peppers in a 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 flavors of the sausage and peppers, while the pasta shells hold onto every bit of the delicious sauce.
Ingredients:
- 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
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta:
- 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 ½ cup of pasta water.
- Cook the sausage:
- 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.
- Sauté the peppers and onions:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and diced onion. Sauté 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.
- Make the creamy sauce:
- 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.
- Combine the pasta, sausage, and sauce:
- 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.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Creamy Sausage & Peppers Shells hot, with extra Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
Enjoy this rich and satisfying dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete, delicious meal!
