One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage And Shells – Easy & Creamy

Discover a comforting One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage And Shells recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love It

This One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage And Shells recipe hits all the right notes—easy, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly, saving you time and dishes. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something comforting but fuss-free.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing—use mild or spicy based on preference
• 1 small onion, diced—can substitute with shallots for a sweeter taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced—fresh or jarred works well
• 2 cups chicken broth—vegetable broth for a lighter option
• 1 cup water
• 8 oz medium pasta shells—try gluten-free pasta if needed
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes—drain if you prefer less liquid
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese—for meltiness
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese—adds salty depth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream—half-and-half for a lighter dish
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning—fresh herbs if available like oregano and thyme work great
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, water, and canned tomatoes. Stir to combine.
4. Add the pasta shells and sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly on top. Stir slightly to combine, then bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender but firm.
6. Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Looking for more easy dinner ideas? Check out our Easy Weeknight Dinners or discover more hearty pasta dishes like Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta.

Expert Tips

For perfectly cooked pasta every time, keep the pot covered while simmering and stir occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes. You can also prepare this dish ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop with a little added cream or broth to restore creaminess. To scale up the recipe, just increase ingredients proportionally and use a larger pot.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

Variations

• Vegan: Swap Italian sausage for plant-based sausage and use vegan cheese and plant-based cream alternatives.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta shells and ensure broth and other ingredients don’t contain gluten.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute cheeses and cream with dairy-free versions or coconut milk for creaminess.
• Refined Sugar-Free: This recipe contains no added sugars, making it naturally sugar-free.

FAQ

Can I make One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage And Shells ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish a day ahead and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Medium pasta shells are ideal because they hold the cheesy sauce well, but penne or rotini are good alternatives.

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead?

Absolutely, turkey or chicken sausage works fine and provides a leaner option.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It’s gluten-free when you use gluten-free pasta shells and confirm other ingredients are gluten-free.

Call to Action

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