Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s equal parts cozy, delicious, and easy? Look no further! This Creamy Cheesy Shells with Sausage & Spinach recipe is the perfect one-pot wonder for busy nights. It’s loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta shells, and fresh spinach, all wrapped in a luscious, creamy sauce. Best of all? You’ll barely have dishes to wash, and everyone will be asking for seconds!
This recipe is part of my cookbook, From Scratch and Heart: Recipes Rooted in Tradition and Love. It’s filled with family favorites just like this, so don’t forget to grab your copy to discover even more tried-and-true recipes that make dinnertime magical.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to relax and enjoy your meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spice make this a dinner everyone will love.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple, fresh ingredients.
- Nutritious Spin: Packed with fresh spinach for a boost of greens!
Creamy Cheesy Shells with Sausage & Spinach Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup uncooked small pasta shells
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta shells, coating them in the sausage mixture. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cover and let sit for 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up every bit of that creamy goodness!
Part of My Cookbook: From Scratch and Heart
This recipe is just a taste of what you’ll find in my cookbook, From Scratch and Heart: Recipes Rooted in Tradition and Love. Inside, you’ll discover:
- Over 100 family-approved recipes, including comforting weeknight dinners, show-stopping desserts, and easy appetizers.
- Tips for bringing loved ones together around the table.
- Dishes that blend tradition with a fresh, modern twist.
Order your copy now and bring the magic of homemade meals to your kitchen!
Make It and Share It!
I’d love to see how this dish turns out in your kitchen! Snap a photo of your Creamy Cheesy Shells with Sausage & Spinach and tag me on Instagram (@HollyB). Or, leave a comment below and let me know what you think!
Let’s keep the tradition of joyful meals alive—one recipe at a time. And if you love this recipe, just wait until you try the others in my cookbook!
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