Creamy Red Pepper Shells is a comforting and rich pasta dish that combines crumbled Italian sausage, Parmesan, fresh basil, and an extraordinary red pepper cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare and is ideal for a cozy dinner, offering a delicious balance of creamy textures and savory flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 ounces medium pasta shells

• 1 (16-ounce) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained

• ¾ cup chicken stock

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 12 ounces mild Italian sausage, casing removed

• ½ medium sweet onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce

• ½ cup heavy cream

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions; drain well.

2. Combine red bell peppers and chicken stock in a blender until smooth; set aside.

3. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until sausage is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.

4. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute.

6. Gradually whisk in the red bell pepper mixture and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced and slightly thickened, about 6-8 minutes.

7. Stir in pasta and heavy cream until heated through, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Stir in Parmesan until melted, about 2 minutes. Add fresh basil and mix well.

9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 590 per serving

• Carbohydrates: 48g

• Protein: 24g

• Fat: 33g

• Sodium: 650mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugars: 6g

The Appeal of Creamy Red Pepper Sauce

At the heart of Creamy Red Pepper Shells is the luscious red pepper cream sauce, which is the foundation of the dish’s unique flavor profile. Roasted red peppers are blended into a smooth, velvety mixture with chicken stock to create a vibrant base for the sauce. When paired with the cream, the result is a delicate yet rich sauce that perfectly complements the mild heat and smoky undertones of the peppers. This sauce is thickened slightly by the addition of all-purpose flour, giving it a luxurious consistency that clings beautifully to the pasta shells.

Roasted red peppers are packed with natural sweetness, and when combined with a dash of Italian seasoning, they provide a perfectly balanced sauce that is neither too heavy nor too light. The infusion of tomato sauce and heavy cream further elevates the sauce, creating a creamy, smooth finish that envelops the pasta shells with every bite. The sauce’s vibrant color and deep flavors make it a standout element of this dish, creating a visually appealing and deliciously rich experience.

The Savory Addition of Italian Sausage

One of the key components that elevate Creamy Red Pepper Shells is the addition of Italian sausage. The sausage, when browned and crumbled, releases its savory fat and spices, which infuse the sauce with additional richness. The mild Italian sausage used in this recipe provides the perfect balance of flavor, without overpowering the dish. The slight spice from the sausage enhances the creamy texture of the sauce, creating a harmonious contrast with the sweetness of the roasted red peppers.

Italian sausage also adds a satisfying meaty component to the dish, making it hearty enough for a complete meal. The juicy, flavorful sausage crumbles are mixed into the sauce, allowing their flavor to meld with the creamy, peppery sauce, creating a deeply satisfying taste in every bite. The sausage’s savory depth balances the natural sweetness of the red peppers, resulting in a flavorful, well-rounded dish.

Pasta Shells: The Perfect Base

While the sauce and sausage are the stars of this dish, the pasta shells themselves play an important supporting role. Medium pasta shells are the ideal choice for this recipe, as their shape allows them to hold the sauce inside, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. The smooth texture of the shells contrasts beautifully with the creamy, savory sauce, making each forkful a delightful experience.

The pasta shells also help to absorb the sauce, making the dish even more satisfying. As the shells soak in the rich red pepper sauce, they become tender, creating a perfect marriage of textures. This choice of pasta is essential to the dish, as it allows the sauce to shine without becoming overwhelmed by the pasta itself.

The Final Touch: Parmesan and Fresh Basil

The finishing touches of Parmesan and fresh basil are what really elevate this dish to the next level. The Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty depth that enhances the overall flavor. The richness of the Parmesan pairs beautifully with the creamy red pepper sauce, creating a flavor profile that is complex yet comforting.

Fresh basil brings a burst of bright, herbal freshness that cuts through the richness of the dish. When stirred into the pasta just before serving, the basil adds a fragrant note that adds vibrancy to each bite. The combination of creamy, savory, and fresh elements creates a balanced dish that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

Versatility of the Dish

One of the best aspects of Creamy Red Pepper Shells is its versatility. While the recipe as written is already a complete and satisfying meal, it can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For those who prefer a bit of heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicy kick. If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap out the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or milk.

This dish can also be made vegetarian by omitting the Italian sausage and adding extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. The creamy red pepper sauce will still provide the same rich flavor, making it a great choice for those looking for a meatless option. Additionally, if you’re a fan of seafood, shrimp or chicken can be easily incorporated into the recipe, making it even more adaptable.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Creamy Red Pepper Shells is a dish that combines the best of comfort food with a touch of elegance. The creamy red pepper sauce is the perfect canvas for the savory sausage, while the pasta shells absorb all the delicious flavors, creating a satisfying meal. The addition of Parmesan and fresh basil adds depth and freshness, making each bite a delightful experience.

This dish is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly flavorful and filling. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to enjoy a comforting, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a special occasion, or just for yourself, Creamy Red Pepper Shells is sure to impress.

Conclusion

Creamy Red Pepper Shells is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that combines the richness of a red pepper cream sauce with the savory flavor of Italian sausage, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese. Its creamy texture and balanced flavors make it a satisfying and versatile meal that can easily be customized to suit different tastes. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion where you want to enjoy a flavorful, indulgent meal without much effort.

From the vibrant red pepper sauce to the hearty sausage and tender pasta shells, every element of this dish comes together to create a truly satisfying meal. Whether you serve it as a quick dinner or as part of a special celebration, Creamy Red Pepper Shells is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.