Cheesy Shells and Italian Sausage

 A super easy recipe that is very delicious!

Posting it here for those who have requested it.  Enjoy!

Cheesy Shells & Italian Sausage

8 oz (250 g) bulk hot Italian pork sausage (see Cook’s Tip) 3 garlic cloves
3 cups (750 mL) unsalted chicken stock
1 jar (24 oz/680 mL) marinara sauce (21⁄2 cups/625 mL)

12 oz (350 g) medium shell pasta
4 oz (125 g) reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel) 1⁄4 cup (50 mL) fresh basil leaves

1. 1  cup (250 mL) seasoned croutons
2. 2  oz (60 g) fresh Parmesan cheese (1⁄2 cup/125 mL grated)

1. Preheat broiler. Cook sausage in RockcrokTM (2.5-qt/2.35-L) Everyday Pan or RockcrokTM (4-qt/3.8-L) Dutch Oven over medium heat 4-6 minutes, breaking into crumbles with Mix ‘N Chop.
2. Press garlic with Garlic Press into Pan. Cook 30-60 seconds or just until fragrant.
3. Stir in stock, marinara and pasta to Pan. Increase heat to high; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, 7-9 minutes or until pasta is cooked but firm.
4. Meanwhile, chop basil with Chef’s Knife. Process croutons in Manual Food Processoruntil finely chopped; place in Classic Batter Bowl. Grate Parmesan with Microplane® Adjustable Fine Grater over batter bowl. Mix crouton/Parmesan mixture well.
5. Remove Pan from heat. Stir in cream cheese and basil until blended. Sprinkle cheese mixture evenly over pasta. Place Pan 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) from heating element. Broil 1-2 minutes or until top is golden brown.

Serves 8

U.S. Nutrients per serving: Calories 370, Total Fat 15 g, Saturated Fat 4.5 g, Cholesterol 30 mg, Sodium 830 mg, Carbohydrate 43 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 18 g

Cook’s Tip: 8 oz (250 g) Italian turkey sausage (2 links, casings removed) or 8 oz (250 g) 90% lean ground beef can be substituted for the bulk Italian pork sausage, if you’d like.

© 2013 The Pampered Chef used under license. P5958-08/13