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Delicious one pot cheesy Italian sausage and shells in a creamy sauce

One Pot Cheesy Italian Sausage and Shells

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with Italian sausage that's easy to prepare and clean up, perfect for a comforting family meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound hot Italian sausage Can substitute with chicken or turkey sausage.
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped Use yellow or white onion.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 cups beef broth Can use chicken broth for a lighter flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • 2 cups uncooked medium shells Any pasta can be used; adjust cooking time if necessary.
  • 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed Can use nut-based cheese for a vegan version.
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Brown the sausage and onions in a pot for 7-10 minutes until the sausage is cooked through and the onions are translucent.
  2. Stir in the tomato paste, garlic powder, and oregano.
  3. Add beef broth and heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Stir in uncooked shells, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for 12-13 minutes until shells are al dente.
  5. Incorporate Velveeta cheese until melted and creamy.
  6. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.