Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a picnic, attending a potluck, or celebrating at a shower. This recipe combines the robust flavors of Italian sausage with creamy white cheddar and tender pasta shells, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
To prepare this dish for 8 servings, you will need:
- 2 Italian sausages, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 4 boxes of Pasta Roni (any flavor works, but shells are recommended)
- 1 can of French style green beans
- 1 cup water
- 1 Italian seasoning package
- 1/4 jar of Ragu Parmesan/Garlic sauce
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 406.3
- Fat: 31.1g
- Saturated Fat: 10.8g
- Cholesterol: 64.7mg
- Sodium: 1509.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.5g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugars: 1.7g
- Protein: 22.6g
Cooking Instructions
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
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Prepare Italian Sausage Mixture:
- Start by chopping the Italian sausages into bite-size pieces.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, brown the sausage pieces over medium heat until they are cooked through and slightly caramelized.
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Add Vegetables and Seasoning:
- Once the sausages are browned, add the can of French style green beans (drained) to the skillet.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning package and pour in 1 cup of water.
- Stir everything together and let it simmer over medium-low heat while you prepare the pasta.
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Cook Pasta Roni:
- While the sausage mixture is simmering, cook the Pasta Roni according to the directions on the package. Typically, this involves microwaving the pasta until tender.
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Combine and Finish:
- Once the Pasta Roni is cooked, add it directly to the skillet with the sausage and green bean mixture.
- Stir in 1/4 jar of Ragu Parmesan/Garlic sauce, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Allow the dish to heat through for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar is now ready to serve!
- This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
Tips for Success
- Sausage Selection: Choose Italian sausages that are flavorful and preferably without casings for easier cooking and bite-size pieces.
- Pasta Texture: Ensure the Pasta Roni is cooked al dente to maintain a good texture when combined with the sausage mixture.
- Flavor Enhancement: Feel free to adjust the amount of Ragu Parmesan/Garlic sauce to your taste preferences. You can also sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra cheesy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: As mentioned, garlic bread is a classic accompaniment that complements the flavors of this dish perfectly.
- Salad: Serve alongside a fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Wine: Pair with a light red wine such as a Chianti or a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio for a delightful dining experience.
Conclusion
Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar is not only easy to prepare but also guaranteed to impress with its robust flavors and creamy texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish brings together the comforting elements of Italian cuisine in a crowd-pleasing format. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a delicious meal that everyone will love!
