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.
16ouncesbulk Italian pork sausage(for links, remove the casings)
1cupdiced yellow onion
2teaspoonsminced garlic
1teaspoondried oregano
1teaspoondried basil
¼teaspoonKosher salt
¼teaspoonblack pepper
24ouncesmarinara sauce
1 ½cupswater
8ouncesmedium shells(uncooked)
8ouncesfresh mozzarella pearls(or a block of mozzarella, cubed)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until brown and cooked throughout, breaking the sausage apart as it cooks. This will take 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.
Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute.
Stir in the pasta sauce, water, and uncooked pasta. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked.
Add the sausage back to the pan along with the mozzarella cheese. Stir to incorporate. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve directly from the skillet, family-style.
Notes
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.