One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage And Shells
One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage and Shells is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with creamy cheese and pasta, all made in a single pot. This easy recipe is a hit with families and friends, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Why Make This Recipe
This dish offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, making it satisfying and hearty. The convenience of cooking everything in one pot means less cleanup, which is always a plus after a long day! Moreover, the cheesy goodness will have your loved ones coming back for seconds. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes: delicious, easy to prepare, and satisfying.
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage and Shells
Creating this flavorful one-pot meal is straightforward and quick, allowing you to whip it up even on busy evenings. Here’s everything you need to know to get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups uncooked medium shells
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large pot, brown the hot Italian sausage along with the chopped onions over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.
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Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and dried oregano, allowing the flavors to blend for another minute.
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Add the beef broth and heavy cream to the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil.
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Once boiling, stir in the uncooked medium shells, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-13 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
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Finally, incorporate the cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
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Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Pro Tips for Success One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage and Shells
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Use quality sausage: The flavor of your sausage will greatly impact the overall taste of the dish. Opt for a brand that you like, and feel free to try mild sausage if you prefer less heat.
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Adjust the cheese: While Velveeta gives a creamy texture, consider mixing in other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a more complex flavor.
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Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep a close eye on the shells as they cook in the broth. They can go from perfectly tender to mushy quickly.
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Add veggies: For added nutrition, consider stirring in spinach or bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking for vibrant colors and extra fiber.
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Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes before serving lets the flavors develop and prevents it from being overly saucy.
Flavor Variations One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage and Shells
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Spicy Twist: Incorporate red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick if you love heat!
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Vegetarian Version: Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or lentils, and make sure to use vegetable broth for a hearty, meatless meal.
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Cheesy Broccoli: Add chopped steamed broccoli for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition. It pairs beautifully with cheese and pasta.
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Italian Herbs: Enhance the flavor with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled before serving.
Serving Suggestions One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage and Shells
This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. A simple Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich and hearty pasta. For those who enjoy a little crunch, a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans can also be delightful. Don’t forget to top your dish with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor!
Storage and Freezing Instructions One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage and Shells
If you have leftovers, this dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When reheating, adding a splash of broth or cream can help restore its original creaminess.
For long-term storage, you can freeze portions of the dish. Transfer the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a little liquid if necessary.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|———–|—————-|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbs | 40g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 800mg |
FAQ About One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage And Shells
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While medium shells work great for this dish, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even macaroni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of pasta you choose.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Certainly! You can reduce calories and fat by using turkey or chicken sausage instead of traditional pork sausage and opting for low-fat cheese or a reduced-fat cream. Incorporating more vegetables can also boost the nutritional value.
What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
If Italian sausage isn’t available, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even beef with added Italian seasoning or herbs to mimic that classic Italian flavor. Cooking with different proteins will create a unique twist on this dish.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time, cooking it fully and then refrigerating before serving. If you want to make it even easier, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, browning the meat and chopping the vegetables to speed up the process later.
How do I know when the pasta is done?
The best way to check if the pasta is cooked is to taste a few pieces. They should be tender but still have a little bite—often referred to as "al dente." This texture ensures that the pasta holds up well when mixed with the cheese sauce.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage and Shells is a truly versatile and delicious dish that everyone in your family will love. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Remember, the best part is that it all cooks in one pot, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal. So gather your loved ones, and enjoy this comforting dish that brings everyone together at the dinner table!
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One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage and Shells
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful one-pot dish combining Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound hot Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups uncooked medium shells
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the hot Italian sausage along with the chopped onions over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes, breaking the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and dried oregano, allowing the flavors to blend for another minute.
- Add the beef broth and heavy cream to the pot, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, stir in the uncooked medium shells, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-13 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Incorporate the cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Add spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition, or try mixing in different cheeses for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
