One Pan Sausage and Shells

This post was originally published on January 3, 2019, and has been fully updated.

Sausage and Shells is an easy pasta dinner that comes together in one pan. Serve with salad and garlic bread for a hearty meal the whole family will love.

Table of Contents show

Skillet sausage and pasta

This sausage and shells skillet meal is full of savory sausage, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of cheese. It's not only comforting and delicious - it's made in one pan which saves time and clean-up.

With just a handful of ingredients - some pantry staples combined with a couple of fresh items - you can have a family-pleasing meal on the table with little fuss.

On busy nights, save time by preparing a green salad while the pasta cooks.

For pasta lovers, be sure to try Sun-Dried Tomato Ravioli which comes together in 10 minutes with just three ingredients!

Ingredient notes

Ingredients for Italian sausage and shells.

Pasta - I use medium shells in this recipe - small shells also work fine. Any short pasta with nooks for capturing the sauce is ideal.
Pork sausage - Either sweet or spicy Italian sausage - or a combination of both - can be used. Chicken or turkey sausage can be substituted if preferred. If using links, be sure to remove the casing before cooking.
Marinara sauce - Grab your favorite go-to jarred sauce. Use a good quality sauce since it's one of the main ingredients in this dish. I used Rao's marinara sauce for this recipe.
Mozzarella - I like bite-sized fresh mozzarella "pearls". You can also use a block of mozzarella that's been cut into small cubes.
Seasonings - Dried oregano and dried basil complement the flavors of the marinara sauce.
Onions - Sweet yellow onions, red onions, or shallots can all be used.

Step-by-step instructions

See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

Brown the sausage in a large covered skillet. This will take 8-10 minutes. Then, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.

Add the onions to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, basil, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.

Softened onions in a skillet with herbs and garlic.

Add the marinara sauce and water. Stir in the pasta. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is cooked, stirring occasionally.

Marinara sauce and pasta added to skillet with onions and garlic. — Sauce with uncooked pasta

Skillet of pasta after cooking in the sauce. — Sauce with cooked pasta

Add the sausage back to the pan along with the mozzarella. Stir to incorporate. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Overhead shot of skillet with sausage and shells.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make sausage and shells ahead of time?

To make ahead of time, prepare according to the recipe's directions but stop before adding the mozzarella. Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1-2 days.

When ready to eat, bring the casserole to room temperature. Stir in the mozzarella cheese. Cover and heat in a 375-degree oven until warm throughout.

What do I serve with sausage and shells?

Serve this pasta dish family-style with a wedge salad or skillet green beans and garlic Ciabatta bread.