Delicious Italian Sausage Recipe with White Cheddar
Some people say that the key to happiness is finding the perfect recipe. Well, I’m here to tell you that I have just the recipe for you that will elevate your taste buds to the next level: Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar Recipe.
This savory dish is the perfect combination of cheesy goodness and spicy sausage flavor. The jumbo pasta shells are filled with a mixture of Italian sausage and creamy ricotta cheese, giving each bite an explosion of flavor. Topped with marinara sauce and melted white cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to satisfy any cravings for comfort food.
And the best part? It’s an easy and quick one-pot meal that can be served as a hearty dinner or a satisfying lunch. So why not give in to your taste buds’ desires and try out this delicious Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar Recipe? I guarantee you won’t regret it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a true masterpiece that will make your tastebuds dance with joy. If you’re searching for a dish that is packed with flavor and easy to make, you’ve come to the right place.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it calls for a combination of creamy white cheddar and Italian sausage. The flavors of these two ingredients compliment each other perfectly, creating a mouth-watering taste that you won’t be able to resist.
Not only is this recipe full of delicious ingredients, but it’s also incredibly simple to make! You’ll only need one pot and some basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
If you’re someone who’s always on-the-go but still wants to enjoy a homemade meal, then this recipe is perfect for you. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying – making it the ideal dinner option for busy weeknights.
Plus, this hearty dish can easily feed a crowd – perfect for family dinners or get-togethers with friends. It’s even customizable, so feel free to add in any veggies or spices you have on hand to make it your own.
Trust me – once you try this Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar recipe, it will become a regular addition to your dinner rotation. So why wait? Whip up a batch tonight and fall in love with all the amazing flavors!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar Recipe:
- 1 lb of jumbo pasta shells
- 1 lb of mild or spicy Italian sausage, removed from the casing
- 1 package of Pasta Roni shells and white cheddar
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 4 cups of water
- 1 can of French style green beans, drained and rinsed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 jar of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Optional: Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, ricotta cheese
Note that you can choose whether to use mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your preference. If you want a milder flavor, you can use sweet Italian sausage instead. The Pasta Roni shells and white cheddar mix will give an extra cheesy flavor to the dish, but feel free to substitute it with any brand that suits your taste. Don’t forget that you can add Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, or ricotta cheese for a richer taste.
The Recipe How-To
Step One: Prepare the Shells
Boil a pot of water according to the package directions and cook 1 lb of jumbo pasta shells until al dente. Drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let them drain in a colander.
Step Two: Cook the Italian Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb of Italian sausage that has been chopped into bite-size pieces. Cook until it is no longer pink and is slightly crispy. If you prefer a less spicy flavor, feel free to use sweet Italian sausage instead. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the sausage and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step Three: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tsp of Italian seasoning. Fold in the cooked sausage and garlic mixture until well combined.
Step Four: Stuff the Shells
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
Take each shell and spoon in some filling, then place it in a large baking dish that has been lightly oiled. Repeat until all shells have been filled and placed in the dish. Pour your favorite jarred marinara sauce over the top, and then sprinkle with an additional 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step Five: Bake the Shells
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy these delicious sausage stuffed shells with some French style green beans on the side for an Italian-inspired feast!
Substitutions and Variations
Well, well, well. If you’re looking to switch up this sausage and shells recipe, here are a few suggestions for substitutions and variations.
Firstly, you can mix up the type of sausage that you use to create a different flavor profile. Mild or spicy Italian sausage can be swapped out for sweet Italian sausage, turkey or chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage if you prefer. It’s all about finding what works best with your taste buds.
If you’re looking to add some greens to this pasta dish, try incorporating some spinach into the stuffing mixture or serving it alongside some roasted asparagus instead of French-style green beans.
If you want to take it up a notch, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Instead of white cheddar, try using mozzarella, ricotta or parmesan cheese. Or better still, mix them all together for an even creamier texture.
Something else to consider is pairing it with other dishes. This recipe goes well with a nice side salad or some garlic bread on the side.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to take things in a wilder direction, why not substitute the pasta shells with penne or another type of pasta? You can even create a one-pan dish by mixing some diced tomatoes and vegetables like zucchini into the pasta along with the sausage.
The beauty of cooking is being able to experiment and find your own unique flavors. So feel free to play around with this recipe and customize it to your liking!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this delicious Italian sausage with shells and white cheddar recipe, the possibilities are endless. The hearty and filling nature of this dish makes it perfect for serving as a main course, accompanied by a simple green salad or some garlic bread.
If you’re looking for a wine pairing to elevate the flavors of this dish, I suggest going for a nice bottle of Chianti or Sangiovese. The full-bodied and slightly acidic notes of these wines complement the richness and spiciness of the Italian sausage, while also cutting through the creaminess of the cheese sauce.
For beer lovers, a crisp, refreshing lager or pilsner would also work well with this dish. The lightness and effervescence of these beers provide a refreshing counterpoint to the robust flavors of the sausage and cheese.
Overall, whether you’re enjoying this recipe at a casual family dinner or a dinner party with friends, you can’t go wrong with serving it alongside your favorite beverage.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Let’s face it, life can be busy and unpredictable. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a meal ready in the freezer for times when you don’t have the time or energy to cook. Luckily, this Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar recipe is perfect for making ahead of time.
To make this dish ahead of time, cook the pasta shells and prepare the sausage according to the recipe instructions. Then assemble as directed but do not bake. Cover with foil and place in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy this delicious meal, simply thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can heat it up in the oven straight from frozen – just add 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
You can also store any leftover Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave each serving on high for 1-2 minutes or until hot throughout.
One thing to keep in mind is that creamy dishes like this one can sometimes separate or become watery when reheated. To combat this, simply add a splash of milk or cream before heating to restore the creaminess.
In summary, this dish is perfect for making ahead of time and storing for later. It’s also easy to reheat and still retains its delicious flavor and creamy texture. So feel free to make a big batch and save some for those busy weekday nights!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the perfect outcome of our Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar recipe, here are some tips and tricks to guide you:
Firstly, make sure to use jumbo pasta shells as they will turn out best for stuffing. These larger shells also help hold more filling, making every bite deliciously satisfying.
When cooking the sausage, it’s best to remove the casings and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Browning these pieces in a skillet with olive oil will enhance their flavor and add a deep richness to the dish.
Do not forget to season your Italian Sausage with the right amount of Italian seasoning. This will provide that authentic taste and aroma that you crave for.
Also, feel free to experiment with different kinds of sausage. From spicy Italian sausage to mild Italian sausage, and even sweet Italian sausage, there are so many variations that you can choose from. Furthermore, adding garlic or red pepper flakes can spice up the dish and give it a different touch.
For the cheesy filling, be generous with your ricotta or parmesan cheese. This cheesy concoction as the stuffing combined with mozzarella cheese makes it delectable. Plus point if added with spinach, chopped garlic or other ingredients suggested in the recipe list.
Lastly, topping the dish with marinara sauce or any kind of cheese will create a beautifully melted and gooey texture that will further add depth of flavor.
Follow these simple tips for an unforgettable recipe that you’ll keep coming back to time after time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar Recipe is a delectable and satisfying one-pot meal that will please any pasta or sausage enthusiast. With superior ingredients like jumbo pasta shells, premium Italian sausage, and earthy French cut green beans, the dish offers a rich texture and a variety of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
To achieve perfect results, chop the sausage into bite-sized pieces and brown them before adding water and vegetables. Stir in the Pasta Roni seasoning package and simmer everything together until the pasta shells are tender and creamy. And to give it a cheesy twist, stuff the pasta shells with a blend of mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and parmesan cheese.
With its blend of savoriness, creaminess, and cheesiness in one dish, this recipe is sure to become your favorite weeknight meal. And because it’s easy to make ahead, store or reheat anytime you need it without losing any of its flavors.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and whip up this incredibly delicious Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar Recipe today! Your family will thank you!
Italian Sausage with Shells and White Cheddar Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Italian sausage
- 4 boxes Pasta Roni (shells and Cheddar flavor)
- 1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix
- 1 (16 ounce) package French style green beans
- 1 cup water
- 1 jar of ragu parmesan garlic cheese sauce
Instructions
- Chop up sausage into bite size pieces and brown.
- Add water and French cut green beans and Italian seasoning package, stir together and simmer.
- While Italian sausage mixture is simmering, cook Pasta Roni in microwave according to directions.
- Add to Italian sausage mixture.
- Stir in 1/4 jar of Ragu Parmesan/Garlic sauce and heat through.
- Ready to serve-tastes good with Garlic Bread.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.